sleepwalking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, Technical (medical/psychological)
Quick answer
What does “sleepwalking” mean?
The act of walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of deep sleep.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of deep sleep.
Metaphorically, performing a task, duty, or routine in an automatic, unthinking, or mechanical manner, without full awareness or engagement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The condition is medically termed 'somnambulism' in both.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “sleepwalking” in a Sentence
[Subject] was sleepwalking.[Subject] has a history of sleepwalking.to be caught sleepwalkingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sleepwalking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He used to sleepwalk quite frequently as a child.
- The patient was found sleepwalking down the corridor.
American English
- She sleepwalked into the kitchen last night.
- If he's stressed, he might start sleepwalking again.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; typically part of the verb phrase) He wandered sleepwalkingly through the house. (Very rare/archaic)
American English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb) She moved sleepwalkingly toward the door. (Literary/rare)
adjective
British English
- She was a chronic sleepwalking patient.
- The sleepwalking incident was caught on camera.
American English
- He has a sleepwalking disorder.
- They installed a sleepwalking alarm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The board was sleepwalking into a disastrous merger.'
Academic
Clinical study of parasomnias, particularly somnambulism in pediatric populations.
Everyday
Describing a family member who gets up at night.
Technical
A parasomnia of NREM sleep, characterized by complex behaviors during partial arousal from slow-wave sleep.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sleepwalking”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sleepwalking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sleepwalking”
- Using 'sleepwalk' as a noun (incorrect: 'He had a sleepwalk.' Correct: 'He had a sleepwalking episode.')
- Confusing with 'sleep talking' (somniloquy).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, as the person is unaware of their surroundings and may fall, walk into traffic, or harm themselves unintentionally.
It is generally advised to guide them gently back to bed without forcefully waking them, as abrupt awakening can cause confusion and distress.
Factors include genetics, sleep deprivation, stress, fever, and certain medications. It occurs during deep non-REM sleep.
Yes, treatment may focus on improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and in some cases, medication or scheduled awakenings.
The act of walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of deep sleep.
Sleepwalking is usually neutral, technical (medical/psychological) in register.
Sleepwalking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsliːpˌwɔːkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslipˌwɔkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sleepwalking into a crisis (metaphorical: proceeding unconsciously towards danger).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WALKING in your SLEEP' – the word is perfectly literal.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNCONSCIOUS IS ASLEEP; AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOR IS SLEEPWALKING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary technical term for sleepwalking?