hibernate
/ˈhaɪ.bə.neɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To spend the winter in a deep sleep or very inactive state, as some animals do. In common use, it can also mean to stay inactive for a long time.
- Bears hibernate during the coldest months.
- The turtle hibernates in winter.
- The company hibernated after the merger.
Adinary Nuance
Hibernate is more specific than sleep, rest, or stay inactive. It often suggests a long period of low activity, especially in winter or after a delay. Writers choose it when they want the idea of deep, seasonal, or very slow activity, not just ordinary rest.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ngủ đông
- Spanish
- hibernar
- Chinese
- 冬眠
- Japanese
- 冬眠する
- Korean
- 동면하다
Etymology
Hibernate comes from Latin hibernare, from hibernus meaning “winter.” It entered English in the 17th century, first for animals.
Common phrases
hibernate for winterhibernate undergroundgo into hibernationhibernate through winter
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is hibernate only used for animals?
- No. It is most common for animals, but people also use it for systems or businesses becoming inactive.
- What is the difference between hibernate and sleep?
- Sleep is a normal daily state. Hibernate means a much longer, deeper, or seasonal inactivity.
- Is hibernate formal or informal?
- It is a neutral word, common in science, writing, and everyday speech.
- Can I say a phone hibernates?
- Yes, in a loose modern way. It means the phone is inactive or in a low-power state.