torpor
noun
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The English word torpor is a 13th-century borrowing from Latin: torpōr-, torpor mean "numbness, paralysis, absence of energy, lethargy," and correspond to the Latin verb torpēre, meaning "to be numb, lack sensation; to be struck motionless; to be sluggish or lethargic." Early use of the English word is found in a 13th-century guide for religious recluses, where it refers to a spiritual or intellectual lethargy, but scant evidence of the word appears between that point and the 1600s, when the word began to be used in reference to both mental and physical sluggishness. The related adjective torpid (from the Latin adjective torpidus, meaning "numbed" or "paralyzed") has since the 15th century been used to mean "numb," but today it more often means "lacking in energy or vigor."
Synonyms
- apathy
- casualness
- complacence
- disinterestedness
- disregard
- incuriosity
- incuriousness
- indifference
- insouciance
- nonchalance
- unconcern
Example Sentences
Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Aug. 2022 Endlessly second-guessing, or sitting on the couch in a torpor of regret and binge-watching Netflix, generally begets only the need for salty snacks and maybe ice cream. Aliza Knox, Forbes, 31 July 2022 Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo’s former teammate, and Alex Ferguson, his longtime mentor, had intervened not to show him the error of his ways, but to snap United from its torpor. New York Times, 8 July 2022 It’s the strongest season yet for Hader’s acting, which veers between lupine freneticism and existential torpor. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 15 June 2022 The mayor has a moral obligation and political imperative to end the torpor gripping BPS and produce meaningful change. Adrian Walker, BostonGlobe.com, 17 June 2022 Often, there is a sense of torpor that makes scenic action seem impossible. Garth Greenwell, The New Yorker, 6 June 2022 This longer torpor occurred no matter where the birds originally lived. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022 Out of nowhere, the free world once again stands for something, and is even showing signs of shaking itself out of its decades-long torpor. Tom Mctague, The Atlantic, 9 May 2022 See More Word History
Middle English, borrowed from Latin torpōr-, torpor "numbness, paralysis, absence of energy, lethargy," s-stem noun derivative corresponding to the stative verb torpēre "to be numb, lack sensation, be struck motionless, be sluggish or lethargic" — more at torpid
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Medical Definition
torpor
noun
torpor
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- disregard
- indifference
- apathy
- unconcern
- nonchalance
- insouciance
- incuriosity
- casualness
- lethargy
- complacence
- tepidity
- disinterestedness
- lukewarmness
- tepidness
- heedlessness
- recklessness
- unawareness
- carelessness
- incuriousness
- coldness
- stolidity
- halfheartedness
- callousness
- impassivity
- dispassion
- impassiveness
- stoicism
- bloodlessness
- listlessness
- aloofness
- phlegm
- detachment
- callosity
- insensitivity
- hardness
- hard-heartedness
- cool
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- interest
- concern
- awareness
- curiosity
- attention
- regard
- attentiveness
- keenness
- sensitivity
- prejudice
- conscientiousness
- zeal
- ardor
- bias
- warmth
- desire
- vehemence
- heedfulness
- partiality
- passion
- warmheartedness
- fervency
Synonyms & Similar Words
- boredom
- lethargy
- stupor
- languor
- lassitude
- indifference
- fatigue
- listlessness
- sleepiness
- laziness
- malaise
- hebetude
- narcosis
- inaction
- idleness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- vigor
- vitality
- vivacity
- enthusiasm
- eagerness
- vim
- spiritedness
- ambition
- enterprise
- keenness
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of torpor are languor, lassitude, lethargy, and stupor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.
The words languor and torpor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.
While in some cases nearly identical to torpor, lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.
In some situations, the words lethargy and torpor are roughly equivalent. However, lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.
While the synonyms stupor and torpor are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.