suspended animation; apparent death; playing dead
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
suspended animation; apparent death; clinical death
technicalMedical term referring to a reversible state resembling death. Immediate resuscitation is often possible.
The electrocution victim is in a state of suspended animation and must receive artificial respiration immediately.
The baby was born not breathing; the doctor diagnosed apparent death, but after resuscitation, the infant began to cry.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Due to prolonged submersion, the patient has entered a state of clinical death, and the pupils are beginning to dilate.
verb
to play dead; to feign death; thanatosis
technicalBiological defense mechanism observed in mammals, reptiles, insects, and other animals.
Opossums play dead when in danger, lying motionless on the ground.
This type of beetle plays dead when encountering predators, dropping from leaves and feigning death.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
When playing dead, hognose snakes even flip their bodies over and let their tongues hang out.