Hibernate \Hi"ber*nate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Hibernated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Hibernating}.] [L. hibernare, hibernatum, fr. hibernus wintry. See {Hibernal}.] To winter; to pass the season of winter in close quarters, in a torpid or lethargic state, as certain mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Inclination would lead me to hibernate, during half the year, in this uncomfortable climate of Great Britain. --Southey.
The plight of the hungry bears has become more evident as the animals prepare to hibernate in early November.