Hibernate: meaning, definitions and examples

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hibernate

[ˈhaɪ.bə.neɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in computing

Hibernate is a power-saving state designed primarily for laptops. When you hibernate your computer, it saves the current state of your system, including all open files and programs, to your hard disk and then shuts down your computer. When you turn your computer back on, it restores the computer to the state it was in before entering hibernation mode.

Synonyms

standby, suspend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hibernate	Use 'hibernate' when referring to a computer going into a low-power state where it saves everything in memory to the hard disk, allowing the computer to completely power down while retaining the current state when it is turned back on. This term is also used to describe the state of certain animals in winter. My laptop uses less power when it is set to hibernate Bears hibernate during the winter months
suspend	Use 'suspend' when a computer or electronic device temporarily stops most operations but can resume activity quickly. This is also used in a more general sense to indicate the temporary halt of an activity, often with an implicit intention to resume. The computer will suspend operation if the battery is too low The meeting was suspended until next week
standby	Use 'standby' when referring to a state in which a device is turned off but can be quickly turned on, consuming less power than when fully operational. It is often used for televisions, computers, and other electronics. Please switch the TV to standby mode if you're not using it The computer went into standby after 10 minutes of inactivity

Word

Description / Examples

hibernate

Use 'hibernate' when referring to a computer going into a low-power state where it saves everything in memory to the hard disk, allowing the computer to completely power down while retaining the current state when it is turned back on. This term is also used to describe the state of certain animals in winter.

My laptop uses less power when it is set to hibernate
Bears hibernate during the winter months

suspend

Use 'suspend' when a computer or electronic device temporarily stops most operations but can resume activity quickly. This is also used in a more general sense to indicate the temporary halt of an activity, often with an implicit intention to resume.

The computer will suspend operation if the battery is too low
The meeting was suspended until next week

standby

Use 'standby' when referring to a state in which a device is turned off but can be quickly turned on, consuming less power than when fully operational. It is often used for televisions, computers, and other electronics.

Please switch the TV to standby mode if you're not using it
The computer went into standby after 10 minutes of inactivity

Examples of usage

Make sure to hibernate your laptop when you're not using it to save battery power.
After hibernating my computer, it took a few seconds longer to start up again.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in biology

Hibernate is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, which is characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing, and heart rate. Many animals hibernate during the winter months as a way to conserve energy when food is scarce.

Synonyms

dormancy, winter sleep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hibernate	Commonly used to describe the state of animals during winter when they enter a deep sleep to survive cold conditions. Bears hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy The tortoise will hibernate until spring arrives
dormancy	Refers to a period in which an organism's physical activity temporarily stops or slows down, often used in agriculture and botany. Many plants enter dormancy during the winter to protect themselves from harsh weather The seeds remain in dormancy until conditions are suitable for growth
winter sleep	More informal term for hibernation, usually used to describe the same process but in a less scientific way. Bears go into winter sleep to make it through the cold season The groundhog enters a winter sleep to avoid the freezing temperatures

Word

Description / Examples

hibernate

Commonly used to describe the state of animals during winter when they enter a deep sleep to survive cold conditions.

Bears hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy
The tortoise will hibernate until spring arrives

dormancy

Refers to a period in which an organism's physical activity temporarily stops or slows down, often used in agriculture and botany.

Many plants enter dormancy during the winter to protect themselves from harsh weather
The seeds remain in dormancy until conditions are suitable for growth

winter sleep

More informal term for hibernation, usually used to describe the same process but in a less scientific way.

Bears go into winter sleep to make it through the cold season
The groundhog enters a winter sleep to avoid the freezing temperatures

Examples of usage

Bears tend to hibernate in caves during the winter.
During hibernation, the animal's metabolic rate decreases significantly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'hibernare', which means 'to spend the winter'.
It was first used in English around the early 17th century to describe animals resting through winter.

Biology

Not only bears hibernate; some bats, frogs, and even certain fish go into hibernation to survive colder temperatures.
During hibernation, an animal's metabolism slows down significantly, allowing it to conserve energy when food is scarce.

Climate Adaptation

Hibernation is a survival strategy that helps animals avoid harsh winter conditions and food shortages.
The environments where animals hibernate are often insulated to help maintain their body temperature.

Pop Culture

In movies and cartoons, hibernating animals are often depicted as comically clumsy when they wake up, adding humor to the struggle of adapting back to being active.
Hibernation is sometimes used as a metaphor in storytelling to depict characters undergoing transformative pauses.

Science

Some scientists study hibernation to understand how to better preserve organs for transplantation, as the slowed metabolism can help in preservation.
Research shows that hibernating animals may have unique enzymes and proteins that help protect their cells during periods of dormancy.

Translations

Translations of the word "hibernate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hibernar

🇮🇳 शीतनिद्रा लेना

🇩🇪 überwintern

ruhen
Winterschlaf halten

🇮🇩 berhibernasi

🇺🇦 зимувати

🇵🇱 hibernować

🇯🇵 冬眠する (とうみんする)

🇫🇷 hiberner

🇪🇸 hibernar

🇹🇷 kış uykusuna yatmak

🇰🇷 겨울잠을 자다

🇸🇦 سبات

🇨🇿 hibernovat

🇸🇰 hibernovať

🇨🇳 冬眠 (dōngmián)

🇸🇮 hibernirati

🇮🇸 dvala

🇰🇿 қысқы ұйқыға кету

🇬🇪 ზამთრის ძილი

🇦🇿 qış yuxusuna getmək

🇲🇽 hibernar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,470, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29467 clamored
29468 immunogenicity
29469 berated
29470 hibernate
29471 goofy
29472 pager
29473 serenade
...