Hibernate hi·ber·nate ˈhībərˌnāt/ verb (of an animal or plant) spend the winter in a dormant state. synonyms: lie dormant, lie torpid, sleep; overwinter “bears hibernate in winter” (of a person) remain inactive or indoors for an extended period. “the pilots who have been hibernating during the winter months get their gliders out again” synonyms: hole up, escape, withdraw, retreat, cocoon “he wanted to hibernate in front of a fire for the night” ~OR January 13, 2016 0