relapse

[ verb ri-laps; noun ri-laps, ree-laps ]

verb (used without object)

, re·lapsed, re·laps·ing.

1. to fall or slip back into a former state, practice, etc.:

   to relapse into silence.

2. to fall back into illness after convalescence or apparent recovery.
3. to fall back into vice, wrongdoing, or error; backslide:

   to relapse into heresy.

   Synonyms: lapse, revert, regress

noun

1. an act or instance of relapsing.
2. a return of a disease or illness after partial recovery from it.

relapse

verb

1. to lapse back into a former state or condition, esp one involving bad habits
2. to become ill again after apparent recovery

noun

1. the act or an instance of relapsing
2. the return of ill health after an apparent or partial recovery

Derived Forms

• reˈlapser, noun

Other Words From

• re·lapsa·ble adjective
• re·lapser noun
• unre·lapsing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relapse¹

First recorded in 1400–50; (for the verb) late Middle English, from Latin relāpsus “slid back,” past participle of relābī “to slide back, revert,” from re- re- + lābī “to fall, slide, make a mistake”; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of relapse¹

C16: from Latin relabī to slip back, from re- + labī to slip, slide

Example Sentences

Current anti-inflammatory treatments bring relief but often fall short, as patients can lose their response to these medications over time, suffer relapses, and experience significant side effects.

From Science Daily

She said as well as the effect on Charmaine's mental health, for some there was a risk of relapse or reoffending.

From BBC

Current data do not support a strong causal link between involuntary treatment and treatment adherence, relapse prevention or social functioning.

From Salon

He has seen former prisoners relapse and reoffend on the streets due to a lack of support.

From BBC

He got off his sick bed to score in a 4-1 victory over Crewe to round off the season, but then relapsed and suffered with pneumonia, which eventually killed him.

From BBC

Related Words

• recidivism
• recurrence
• regression
• worsening