Dormant
/ˈdɔːrmənt/
Definitions
In a state of temporary inactivity or suspended activity.
/ˈdɔːrmənt/
Temporarily inactive or in a state of rest
The volcano has been dormant for centuries.
💡 Simply: Imagine a plant in the winter. It seems like it's not doing anything, but it's actually resting and waiting for spring. That plant is dormant!
👶 For kids: When something is dormant, it's like it's taking a long nap and not doing anything for a while.
More Examples
A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted for a long time.
The seed remained dormant in the soil until spring.
How It's Used
"Many seeds remain dormant over the winter."
"The company's dormant account was reactivated."
"Dormant fears can resurface in times of stress."
Idioms & expressions
Lie dormant
To remain inactive or unused.
"The project lay dormant for several years before being revived."
From Latin *dormire* 'to sleep'. It entered English in the 15th century, initially used in heraldry to describe a sleeping animal.
The word 'dormant' was initially used in heraldry, referring to a sleeping animal on a coat of arms. Its usage has since expanded to describe general inactivity.
Memory tip
Think of a sleeping dragon – it's dormant, waiting to awaken.