asleep
English
editEtymology
editFrom Middle English aslepe, equivalent to a- (“in, on”) + sleep.
Pronunciation
editAdjective
editasleep (not comparable) (predicative only)
- In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.
- I was asleep when you called.
- Never disturb a man asleep.
- (slang) Inattentive.
- How could you miss that? Were you asleep?
- 1997, George Carlin, Brain Droppings[1], New York: Hyperion Books, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 83:
- The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it.
- (of a body part) Having a numb or prickling sensation accompanied by a degree of unresponsiveness.
- My arm fell asleep. You know, like pins and needles.
- 2003, Norma L. Bronoski, Nuns Don't Dance:
- Louisa sat in the car crying, until her foot fell asleep. She shook her foot violently, afraid the numbness would turn to frostbite.
- (euphemistic) Dead.
Usage notes
edit- Not used in attributive position; sleeping is used instead.
- That dog is asleep. — Where is the sleeping dog?
Antonyms
editDerived terms
editTranslations
editin a state of sleep
|
inattentive
numb or prickling
|
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
Translations to be checked
See also
editAnagrams
editCategories:
- English terms inherited from Middle English
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms prefixed with a-
- English 2-syllable words
- English terms with IPA pronunciation
- English terms with audio pronunciation
- Rhymes:English/iːp
- Rhymes:English/iːp/2 syllables
- English lemmas
- English adjectives
- English uncomparable adjectives
- English terms with usage examples
- English slang
- English terms with quotations
- English euphemisms
- en:Death
- en:Sleep