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View synonyms for lethargy

lethargy

[ leth-er-jee ]

noun

, plural leth·ar·gies.
  1. the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
  2. Pathology. an abnormal state or disorder characterized by overpowering drowsiness or sleep.


lethargy

/ ˈlɛθədʒɪ; lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk /

noun

  1. sluggishness, slowness, or dullness
  2. an abnormal lack of energy, esp as the result of a disease


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Derived Forms

  • leˈthargically, adverb
  • lethargic, adjective

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Other Words From

  • hyper·lethar·gy noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargy1

First recorded in 1325–75; from Late Latin lēthargia, from Greek lēthargía, equivalent to lḗtharg(os) “drowsy” + -ia -y 3 ( Lethe, -algia ); replacing Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargīa, from Late Greek, Greek, as above

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Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargy1

C14: from Late Latin lēthargīa, from Greek lēthargos drowsy, from lēthē forgetfulness

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Example Sentences

“I believe it is necessary to sacrifice myself to break through the lethargy that overwhelms us,” he wrote.

An inquiry launched into the handling of the case should make clear whether that lethargy amounted to deliberate neglect.

Arizona is no longer the sun-drenched home of the Grand Canyon, golf courses, and retirees exulting in 100-degree lethargy.

Austria's fall was due to the lethargy and hesitation of the courts of Berlin and St. Petersburg.

Cicogne told him the news, and how the Princess was lying on a blue bed in a state of lethargy.

When he awoke, though he seemed physically refreshed, the mind remained in a lethargy.

In the darkness of the night he was shaken out of his lethargy by a sharp scratch on his shoulder.

But the meaning was, "God wills we should all perish or become slaves;" and on every hand was dumb lethargy or mad blasphemy.

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lethargizeLethbridge