English

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Etymology

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From Middle English aslepe, equivalent to a- (in, on) +‎ sleep.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /əˈsliːp/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -iːp
  • Hyphenation: asleep

Adjective

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asleep (not comparable) (predicative only)

 
A camel asleep (1)
  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.

Usage notes

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  • Not used in attributive position; sleeping is used instead.
    That dog is asleep. — Where is the sleeping dog?

Antonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

See also

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Anagrams

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