Late 16th century: from Latin torpidus ("numb, sluggish, lazy"), from torpere ("to be numb or stiff").
Meaning:
A state of inactivity, lethargy, or dullness.
Lacking energy or alertness; sluggish.
Origin:
The Latin word torpere is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root terp-, meaning "to turn, twist, or bend." This root is also found in words like "torsion" and "torture."
The sense of "numbness" in torpidus may have originally referred to the feeling of physical stiffness or immobility that can accompany the twisting or bending of limbs.
