" dormancy "

1: a state of temporary inactivity;

  * e.g., " ... some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy "

•  Synonyms : 

•  abeyance,

•  cold storage,

•  deep freeze,

•  doldrums,

•  holding pattern,

•  latency,

•  moratorium,

•  quiescence,

•  suspended animation,

•  suspense,

•  suspension

•  Antonyms : 

•  continuance,

•  continuation

2: lack of action or activity;

  * e.g., " ... a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action "

•  Synonyms : 

•  idleness,

•  inaction,

•  inactivity,

•  inertness,

•  nonaction,

•  quiescence

•  Antonyms : 

•  action,

•  activeness,

•  activity