tor·por \ˈtȯrpər, ˈtȯ(ə)pə(r sometimes -ˌpȯ(ə)r or -ˌpȯ(ə)\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin, from torpēre to be torpid 1.: a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility : suspended animation : sluggishness or stagnation of function : dormancy < a deathlike torpor has succeeded to her former intellectual activity — W.H.Prescott > 2.: mental or spiritual sluggishness : apathy, lethargy < tradition may result merely in torpor — Walter Moberly >