sleepwalking

[ sleep-waw-king ]

noun

1. the act or state of walking, eating, or performing other motor acts while asleep, of which one is unaware upon awakening; a condition or disorder characterized by this:

   If the sleepwalking occurs often, the healthcare provider may do tests to rule out other disorders such as seizures.

2. the state or condition of acting seemingly without awareness, feeling, aim, or will:

   Mindfulness is a commitment to staying awake to reality in each moment—avoiding any sleepwalking through life.

adjective

1. walking while asleep; relating to this state or condition:

   It is unwise to try waking up a sleepwalking child, as this may result in distress for the child.

2. acting seemingly without awareness, feeling, aim, or will:

   Last night Nigeria easily beat the sleepwalking UK team, now on the brink of elimination.

Other Words From

• sleep·walk·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleepwalking¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; sleep + walking

Example Sentences

There has been little evidence of this in recent years, with concerns the WRU hierarchy are sleepwalking into a continued downward spiral.

From BBC

The teenager, who claimed he was sleepwalking during the attack, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court in October after being found guilty of three counts of attempted murder.

From BBC

John Hall, from NASUWT, the teachers' union, believes local authorities are "sleepwalking into a crisis" unless they start to discuss the implications of falling birth rates with each other.

From BBC

The teenager, who claimed he was sleepwalking during the incident, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Friday after previously being found guilty of three counts of attempted murder.

From BBC

Meanwhile, the Astros and Rangers — though simultaneously sleepwalking — are far from finished.

From Seattle Times