drowse

[ drouz ]

verb (used without object)

, drowsed, drows·ing.

1. to be sleepy or half-asleep.
2. to be dull or sluggish.

verb (used with object)

, drowsed, drows·ing.

1. to pass or spend (time) in drowsing (often followed by away ):

   He drowsed away the morning.

2. to make sleepy.

noun

1. a sleepy condition; state of being half-asleep.

drowse

/ draʊz /

verb

1. to be or cause to be sleepy, dull, or sluggish

noun

1. the state of being drowsy

Word History and Origins

Origin of drowse¹

before 900; Old English drūsian to droop, become sluggish (not recorded in ME); akin to Old English drēosan to fall

Word History and Origins

Origin of drowse¹

C16: probably from Old English drūsian to sink; related to drēosan to fall

Example Sentences

Will not one puff of that narcotic breath drowse deep all watching dragons, and make for him the sleeping beauties of his will?

From Project Gutenberg

Slowly before the drowse of darkness, the noises quieted and the fires died down.

From Project Gutenberg

It is as if all these years I had been in a drowse in my mind, and had suddenly sprung up throbbingly awake.

From Project Gutenberg

And it may be, as they sit there and drowse and dream, that the Hollow Tree People creep up close and watch them.

From Project Gutenberg

Her rambling drowse naturally brought back the whole trip to Hillsborough and her conversation with Bertha.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coma
• dormancy
• stupor