asleep Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective in a state of sleep
    • were all asleep when the phone rang
    • fell asleep at the wheel
  2. adjective satellite lacking sensation
    benumbed; numb.
    • my foot is asleep
    • numb with cold
  3. adjective satellite dead
    gone; departed; at peace; at rest; deceased.
    • he is deceased
    • our dear departed friend
  4. adverb into a sleeping state
    • he fell asleep
  5. adverb in the sleep of death

WordNet

A*sleep" adjective & adverb
Etymology
Pref. a- + sleep.
Definitions
  1. In a state of sleep; in sleep; dormant.
    Fast asleep the giant lay supine. Dryden.
    By whispering winds soon lulled asleep. Milton.
  2. In the sleep of the grave; dead.
    Concerning them which are asleep . . . sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thess. iv. 13.
  3. Numbed, and, usually, tingling. Udall.
    Leaning long upon any part maketh it numb, and, as we call it, asleep. Bacon.

Webster 1913