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lethargy

 - 5 dictionary results

leth⋅ar⋅gy

[leth-er-jee]
–noun, plural -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.

Origin:
1325–75; < LL lēthargia < Gk lēthargía, equiv. to ltharg(os) drowsy + -ia -y 3 (see Lethe, -algia ); r. ME litargie < ML litargīa < LGk, Gk, as above
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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leth·ar·gy   (lěth'ər-jē)   
n.   pl. leth·ar·gies
  1. A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy.

  2. A state of unconsciousness resembling deep sleep.


[Middle English letargie, from Old French, from Late Latin lēthārgia, from Greek lēthārgiā, from lēthārgos, forgetful : lēthē, forgetfulness + ārgos, idle (a-, without; see a-1 + ergon, work; see werg- in Indo-European roots).]
Synonyms: These nouns refer to a deficiency in mental and physical alertness and activity. Lethargy is a state of sluggishness, drowsy dullness or apathy: The war roused the nation from its lethargy.
Lassitude implies weariness or diminished energy such as might result from physical or mental strain: "His anger had evaporated; he felt nothing but utter lassitude" (John Galsworthy).
Torpor and torpidity suggest the suspension of activity characteristic of an animal in hibernation: "My calmness was the torpor of despair" (Charles Brockden Brown). Nothing could dispel the torpidity of the indifferent audience.
Stupor is often produced by the effects of alcohol or narcotics; it suggests a benumbed or dazed state of mind: "The huge height of the buildings . . . the hubbub and endless stir . . . struck me into a kind of stupor of surprise" (Robert Louis Stevenson).
Languor is the indolence typical of one who is satiated by a life of luxury or pleasure: After the banquet, I was overcome by languor.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

lethargy 
c.1374, from L.L. lethargia, from Gk. lethargia "forgetfulness," from lethargos "forgetful," originally "inactive through forgetfulness," from lethe "forgetfulness" + argos "idle."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: leth·ar·gy
Pronunciation: 'leth-&r-jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -gies
1 : abnormaldrowsiness
2 : the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent —lethargic adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

lethargy leth·ar·gy (lěth'ər-jē)
n.

  1. A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy.

  2. A state of unconsciousness resembling deep sleep.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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