asleep

From a- (“in, on”) +‎ sleep

• IPA: /əˈsliːp/
• Rhymes: -iːp
• Hyphenation: asleep

asleep (comparative more asleep, superlative most asleep)

1. In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.

   I was asleep when you called.

   Never disturb a man asleep.

2. (slang) Inattentive.

   How could you miss that? Were you asleep?

3. (of a body part) Having a numb or prickling sensation accompanied by a degree of unresponsiveness.

   My arm fell asleep. You know, like pins and needles.

   • 2003, Norma L. Bronoski, Nuns Don't Dance:

     Louisa sat in the car crying, until her foot fell asleep. She shook her foot violently, afraid the numbness would turn to frostbite.

4. (euphemistic) dead

• Not used in attributive position. sleeping is used instead.

• dormant

• awake

• asleep at the switch

• pins and needles

• elapse, please, sapele