Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state of inactivity and metabolic depression: "Hibernation" is a state of deep sleep that some animals enter during winter to conserve energy when food is scarce. During this period, their body temperature drops, and their heart rate and breathing slow down significantly.
   • A period of inactivity or dormancy: More generally, "hibernation" can refer to any extended period of inactivity, withdrawal, or cessation of work.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Bears go into hibernation for several months each winter.
  • The company's research department entered a period of hibernation due to budget cuts.
  • After the intense project, he felt like he needed a mental hibernation.

Advanced Usage

• "To go into hibernation": to enter a state of dormancy or inactivity.
  • The computer system goes into hibernation to save power.
• "To emerge from hibernation": to become active again after a period of dormancy.
  • The artist emerged from her creative hibernation with a stunning new collection.

Variants and Related Words

• Hibernate (verb): to spend the winter in a dormant state; to be inactive.
  • Some reptiles hibernate in burrows.
• Hibernating (adjective): in a state of hibernation.
  • We found a hibernating bat in the attic.
• Hibernal (adjective): of, relating to, or occurring in winter.
  • The hibernal landscape was covered in snow.

Synonyms

• Dormancy: a state of temporary inactivity.
• Torpor: a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.
• Inactivity: the state of not being active or in use.

Related Phrases

• Aestivation: (noun) a state of animal dormancy, similar to hibernation, but occurring during the summer or dry seasons.
• Brumation: (noun) the hibernation-like state that cold-blooded animals (e.g., reptiles) enter during cold conditions.

Related Idioms

• "To come out of hibernation": (idiomatic) to become active again after a long period of little activity or public presence.
  • Our old book club is coming out of hibernation to read this new bestseller.

Noun

1. the act of retiring into inactivity
   • he emerged from his hibernation to make his first appearance in several years
2. cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter; especially slowing of metabolism in some animals
3. the torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter