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

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

From BBC

“And I think it’s inappropriate to start what would almost be cashing in on their relapse.”

From Los Angeles Times

"In short, she will not recover from this condition quickly and there will remain a real risk of relapse," she added.

From BBC

Many suffer a relapse or experience significant side effects, which can include painful inflammation in the bowel, skin or the lungs.

From BBC

“It is better to prevent relapse than treat relapse,” she said.

From Salon

Related Words

• recidivism
• recurrence
• regression
• worsening