I. əˈslēp adjective
Etymology: Middle English aslepe, adjective & adverb, from a- (I) + slepe sleep
1. : being in a state of sleep : sleeping
he has been asleep since noon
2. : being in the sleep of death : dead
we would not have you ignorant … concerning those who are asleep — 1 Thess 4:13 (Revised Standard Version)
3. : lacking sensation or feeling : numb
my arm is asleep
4. : being in a state of mental or physical inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference : not alert : inactive , dormant
a weak, timid, lethargic government usually asleep — Sir Winston Churchill
the sea asleep and at peace — Thomas Wood †1950
5. of a sail : motionless , unruffled
•
- asleep at the switch
II. adverb
Etymology: Middle English aslepe
1. : into a state of sleep
he fell asleep at noon
2. : into the sleep of death : dead
God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep — 1 Thess 4:14 (Revised Standard Version)
3. : into a state of inactivity, sluggishness, or indifference
the falling asleep of the critical faculty — R.W.Southern