蛰
hibernate; hide; lie dormant
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesverb
hibernate; overwinter in hiding
formalMost commonly used for reptiles, amphibians, and insects during cold winter months.
Jingzhe (the Awakening of Insects) is one of the 24 solar terms, marking the awakening of hibernating insects with spring thunder.
Frogs hibernate in the soil through the winter.
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Bears will lie dormant in their dens for several months.
Most insects in temperate zones will hibernate to survive the severe cold.
These ladybugs will hide in tree bark crevices to overwinter.
verb
lie low; hide away; seclude oneself
literaryUsed in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often describes long-term seclusion.
He lies low like a winter snake, cutting off contact with the outside world.
This writer secluded himself in the countryside for five years to finish his novel.
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Many people worked from home and stayed indoors during the pandemic.
After lying low for a decade, he finally established himself in the industry.
This niche brand, which had lain dormant for years, finally saw its breakthrough.