1. Un agent dormant, ou en sommeil, dans le domaine du renseignement, est un agent provisoirement et délibérément inactif. Cet état vise généralement à contrer les mesures de détection adverses (contre-espionnage).
2. [adjective] Inactive, sleeping, asleep, suspended.
3. [adjective] (heraldry) In a sleeping posture; distinguished from couchant.
4. [adjective] In a condition of biological rest or suspended animation; 'dormant buds'; 'a hibernating bear'; 'torpid frogs'.
5. [adjective] (of e.g. volcanos) not erupting and not extinct ; 'a dormant volcano'.
6. [adjective] Lying with head on paws as if sleeping.
7. [adjective] Inactive but capable of becoming active; 'her feelings of affection are dormant but easily awakened'.