v.tr. (-ies, -ied) makenumb or torpid. Etymology: L torpefacere f. torpere be numb TORPID adj. 1 sluggish, inactive, dull, apathetic. 2 numb. 3 (of a hibernating animal) dormant. Derivatives torpidity n. torpidly adv. torpidness n. Etymology: L torpidus (as TORPOR)