English

Noun

hebetude ‎(uncountable)

1. Mental lethargy or dullness.
   • 1926, T. E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom:

     Incuriousness was the most potent ally of our imposed order; for Eastern government rested not so much on consent or force, as on the common supinity, hebetude, lack-a-daisiness, which gave a minority undue effect.

   • 1985?, Oliver Sacks, “The Lost Mariner”, chapter 2 in The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (Reset 2007 edition), page 33, footnote 2:

     This dwelling on the past and relative hebetude towards the present – this emotional dulling of current feeling and memory – is nothing like Jimmie’s organic amnesia.

Derived terms

• hebetudinous

Related terms

• hebetate

Translations