dormant

adjective

dor·​mant ˈdȯr-mənt 

1

heraldry : represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws

2

: marked by a suspension of activity: such as

a

: temporarily devoid of external activity

a dormant volcano

b

: temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated

seeds will remain dormant until spring

reawaken her dormant emotions

3

a

: asleep, inactive

dormant creatures

b

: having the faculties suspended : sluggish

c

: having biological activity suspended: such as

(1)

: being in a state of suspended animation

(2)

botany : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment

—used of plant parts

4

: associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy

dormant grafting

Synonyms

• asleep
• dozing
• napping
• resting
• sleeping
• slumbering

Choose the Right Synonym for dormant

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence.

latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Examples of dormant in a Sentence

The seeds will remain dormant until the spring.

Her emotions have lain dormant for many years.

Recent Examples on the Web

When your mini-succulents go dormant—in winter for some and summer for others—double the time between waterings. —Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2024

Moss usually absorbs enough moisture from rain and humidity in the air, but may go dormant and turn brown during dry spells. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024

Purdue recommends growers use floating covers to help regulated young plant temperatures and to cover dormant plants with 1-3 inches of straw. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Apr. 2024

When it was released earlier this year, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown surprised players not just by resurrecting the long dormant franchise in stellar fashion but doing so by returning to the series’ roots. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2024

Alberg rekindles the dormant fire of a man who has lost his spark. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024

Semi-molten rock had been accumulating for weeks beneath the Reykjanes Peninsula, where a volcanic system recently awoke from a dormant period that had lasted some 815 years. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024

The conclusion of the Mexican War revived an issue that was present at the nation’s founding but had lain dormant since: whether slavery could or should be outlawed in the new territories. —Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024

The tracks remained dormant until 1999 when music producer Pat Thomas discovered the unfinished album. —Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, fixed, stationary, from Anglo-French, from present participle of dormir to sleep, from Latin dormire; akin to Sanskrit drāti he sleeps

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dormant

adjective

dor·​mant ˈdȯr-mənt 

1

: not active but capable of becoming active

a dormant volcano

2

a

: sleeping or appearing to be asleep : sluggish

b

: having growth or other biological activity much reduced or suspended

a dormant bud

3

: of, relating to, or used during a period of no or greatly reduced activity or growth

a dormant spray for fruit trees