elapse

[ ih-laps ]

verb (used without object)

, e·lapsed, e·laps·ing.

1. (of time) to slip or pass by:

   Thirty minutes elapsed before the performance began.

noun

1. the passage or termination of a period of time; lapse.

elapse

/ ɪˈlæps /

verb

1. intr (of time) to pass by

Other Words From

• une·lapsed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elapse¹

1635–45; < Latin ēlapsus (past participle of ēlābī to slip away), equivalent to e- e- ¹ + lab- slip + -sus for -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of elapse¹

C17: from Latin ēlābī to slip away, from lābī to slip, glide

Example Sentences

From the time he picked up Bernstein in Lake Forest to the time he fled the nearby park where he had buried Bernstein’s body, just 1½ hours elapsed, the judge said.

From Los Angeles Times

The now-PhD student also claimed hospital staff discouraged her from going to the police saying it was a "waste of time" due to the time that had elapsed since the incident.

From BBC

A little over a minute elapsed from the time Hill was pulled over and dragged from the car.

From Los Angeles Times

After that period has elapsed, employees typically have a 45-day window to file a petition before the union signs another three-year contract.

From Salon

A full 10 minutes had elapsed since Crooks was spotted on the roof.

From BBC

Related Words

• expire
• pass by
• transpire