sleep

/sli:p/
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sleep

The baby sleeps peacefully in the crib.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A natural, reversible state of rest for the body and mind: A state where consciousness is suspended, and the body undergoes restorative processes.
    • A period of time spent in this state: The act or instance of sleeping.
    • (Euphemism) Death: A metaphorical reference to death, comparing it to a final rest.
  2. Verb (intransitive):

    • To be in a state of sleep: To rest with the eyes closed and the body in a natural, periodic state of reduced consciousness.
    • To be in a state resembling sleep: To be inactive, dormant, or at rest.
  3. Verb (transitive):

    • To provide sleeping accommodation for: To have enough beds or space for a specified number of people to sleep.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun:

    • He needs eight hours of sleep every night to function well. (The state/period of rest.)
    • The eternal sleep claimed him peacefully. (Euphemism for death.)
  • Verb (intransitive):

    • The baby sleeps for most of the afternoon. (Is in a state of sleep.)
    • The volcano sleeps, but it is not extinct. (Is in a dormant state.)
  • Verb (transitive):

    • This cabin sleeps four people comfortably. (Can accommodate four sleepers.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • "to sleep like a log/top": To sleep very deeply and soundly.

    • After the long hike, I slept like a log.
  • "to sleep on/upon something": To postpone a decision about something until the next day.

    • Don't answer now; sleep on it and tell me tomorrow.
  • "to sleep in": To sleep later than usual in the morning.

    • On Sundays, I like to sleep in.
  • "to sleep through something": To remain sleeping despite noise or an event.

    • He slept through the entire storm.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sleeper (n): 1. A person or animal that is asleep. 2. Something that achieves unexpected success.
  • Sleepy (adj): Needing or ready for sleep; drowsy.
  • Sleepily (adv): In a sleepy manner.
  • Sleepless (adj): Without sleep; characterized by lack of sleep.
  • Sleepwalk (v): To walk while asleep.
Synonyms
  • Slumber (n/v): (Literary) Sleep.
  • Nap (n/v): A short sleep.
  • Doze (v): To sleep lightly or intermittently.
  • Rest (n/v): A state of repose or relaxation.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Sleep away: To spend or pass (time) by sleeping.

    • He slept away the entire weekend.
  • Sleep off: To recover from something (like illness or intoxication) by sleeping.

    • She went home to sleep off her headache.
  • Sleep over: To spend the night at someone else's house.

    • The children are sleeping over at their friend's house tonight.
Idioms and Common Phrases
  • Let sleeping dogs lie: To avoid interfering in a situation that is currently calm but could become problematic.

    • I decided not to mention the old argument and let sleeping dogs lie.
  • Lose sleep over something: To worry excessively about something.

    • It's a minor issue; don't lose sleep over it.
  • Put someone/something to sleep: 1. (Euphemism) To euthanize an animal. 2. To cause someone to fall asleep.

    • They had to put their old dog to sleep.
    • The boring lecture put half the class to sleep.
sleep

The baby sleeps peacefully in the crib.

Noun
  1. euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)
    • she was laid to rest beside her husband
    • they had to put their family pet to sleep
  2. a period of time spent sleeping
    • he felt better after a little sleep
    • there wasn't time for a nap
  3. a torpid state resembling deep sleep
  4. a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
    • he didn't get enough sleep last night
    • calm as a child in dreamless slumber
Verb
  1. be able to accommodate for sleeping
    • This tent sleeps six people
  2. be asleep