I. ˈslēp noun
Etymology: Middle English slepe, from Old English slǣp; akin to Old High German slāf sleep and perhaps to Latin labi to slip, slide
Date: before 12th century
1. : the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored — compare REM sleep , slow-wave sleep
2. : a state resembling sleep: as
a. : a state of torpid inactivity
b. : death
put a pet cat to sleep
also : trance , coma
c. : the closing of leaves or petals especially at night
d. : a state marked by a diminution of feeling followed by tingling
my foot's gone to sleep
e. : the state of an animal during hibernation
3.
a. : a period spent sleeping
b. : night
c. : a day's journey
4. : crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening
• sleep·like -ˌlīk adjective
II. verb
( slept ˈslept ; sleep·ing )
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1. : to rest in a state of sleep
2. : to be in a state (as of quiescence or death) resembling sleep
3. : to have sexual relations — usually used with with
transitive verb
1. : to be slumbering in
slept the sleep of the dead
2. : to get rid of or spend in or by sleep
sleep away the hours
sleep off a headache
3. : to provide sleeping accommodations for
the boat sleep s six