verb
- to spend the winter in a state of inactivity or dormancy, with reduced body temperature and metabolism
- to remain inactive or unused for an extended period
Usage: third person singular present tense of 'hibernate'; commonly used of animals such as bears, hedgehogs, and ground squirrels
Usage: figurative or informal usage; often applied to computers, devices, or people
Examples
- The bear hibernates in its den throughout the winter months.
- Ground squirrels hibernate underground to survive the cold season.
- Many insects hibernate as eggs or pupae until spring arrives.
- When not in use, the laptop hibernates to save battery power.
- The old factory hibernates during the slow season.
- Hedgehogs hibernate for several months each year.