I.v. inch. n. [torpeo], to grow stiff or numb, to become useless or torpid.
I. Lit.: “pars corporis torpescit,” Plin. 11, 37, 89, § 220: “elaeomeli qui bibere, torpescunt,” id. 23, 4, 50, § 96: “scorpiones visā lychnide torpescunt,” id. 21, 26, 98, § 171: “torpuerat gelido lingua retenta metu,” Ov. H. 11, 82: “torpuerant molles ante dolore genae,” id. ib. 10, 44: “quid tot dextrae? torpescent in amentiā illā?” Liv. 23, 9, 6.—
B. Transf., to become dull, grow dim: “(margaritae) flavescunt et illae senectā rugisque torpescunt,” Plin. 9, 35, 54, § 109.—
II. Trop., to become listless, dull, inactive, indolent, etc.: “ne per otium torpescerent manus aut animus,” Sall. C. 16, 3; cf.: “ingenium incultu atque socordiā torpescere sinunt,” id. J. 2, 4: “deliciis et desidia torpescere,” Tac. H. 1, 71: “vigor cogebatur senio torpescere rerum,” Sil. 16, 14.
