dormition

/dɔrˈmɪʃən/
noun
  1. The act of falling asleep or the state of being asleep.
    • The baby's dormition was so deep that she didn't stir when the door opened.
    • After a long day, dormition came quickly for the hiker.
    • The gentle sound of rain induced a peaceful dormition.
  2. In Christian tradition, the death and peaceful 'falling asleep' of the Virgin Mary before her assumption into heaven.
    • The fresco in the cathedral illustrates the dormition of Mary with great detail.
    • The icon depicts the Dormition of the Virgin surrounded by the apostles.
    • Many Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate the Feast of the Dormition on August 15.
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