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Definition of "asleep" []

  • In a state of sleep; sleeping. (adjective)
  • Inactive; dormant. (adjective)
  • Indifferent: politicians who are asleep to the needs of their constituents. (adjective)
  • Numb, especially from reduced circulation of blood to a limb: My leg is asleep. (adjective)
  • Dead. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "asleep" in a sentence
  • "Pretending to be asleep is a good way to deter people from bothering you."
  • "My favourite way to fall asleep is with my nose in his hair."
  • "GROSS: You know, the fact that it's potentially dangerous to fall asleep is pretty scary because theoretically, it's the time when you're safely tucked in your bed, and everything's quiet, and your body's in a state of relaxation, whereas you risk jumping out the window."