Question

“before he knew where he was, they had startled the constellations and well - nigh grazed the serpent, so that it woke from its torpor and hissed.” (paragraph 13)
the word “torpor” comes from the latin torpere, which means “to be numb or sluggish.” based on this information, what is the meaning of torpor as it is used in this sentence?
a pain
b inactivity
c intense worry
d careful watch

Explanation:

The Latin root "torpere" means "to be numb or sluggish", which implies inactivity. In the context of the serpent waking from its state, inactivity fits the meaning.

Answer:

B. inactivity