Stupidity, n.
Etymology: [L. stupiditas: cf. F. stupidité.]
1. The quality or state of being stupid; extreme dullness of perception or understanding; insensibility; sluggishness.
2. Stupor; astonishment; stupefaction. [R.] A stupidity Past admiration strikes me, joined with fear. Chapman.
Shades of meaning
Stupidity is sometimes loosely used for temporary dulness or partial stupor, but chiefly for innate and chronic dulness and sluggishness of mental action, obtuseness of apprehension, etc. Apathy may be temporary, and be dispelled by appeal to the feelings or by the presentation of an adequate motive, but stupidity is inveterate and commonly incurable. Compare apathy; idiocy; stupor.