I. ˈlethə(r)jē, -ji noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Late Latin lethargia ) of Middle English litargie, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French litargie, from Medieval Latin litargia, lethargia, from Late Latin lethargia, from Greek lēthargia, from lēthargos lethargy (from lēthē forgetfulness) + -ia -y
1. archaic : a comatose torpor : abnormal drowsiness
seized with a lethargy , in which he continued till Friday evening, and then expired, much lamented — Boston Gazette
2. : the quality or state of being lazy or indifferent : lassitude , apathy
the hot moist air of the tropics spreads a feeling of lethargy and indolence over everything — G.H.Reed b. 1887
in spite of his urgent pleas … for supplies and men a disheartening lethargy was displayed — J.C.Fitzpatrick
an ancient people, sunk in lethargy and refusing to be inspired — Joseph Frank
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
archaic : lethargize
his discernings are lethargied — Shakespeare