elapse

American  

[ih-laps] / ɪˈlæps /

verb (used without object)

elapsed, elapsing

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

   Thirty minutes elapsed before the performance began.

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noun

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

elapse British  

/ ɪˈlæps /

verb

1. (intr) (of time) to pass by

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Other Word Forms

• unelapsed adjective

Etymology

Origin of elapse

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

Example Sentences

But the repercussions will reverberate for some time: at least 12 months must elapse from the last case to regain the important fever-free status.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

"It therefore seems likely that many years will elapse before any such Crispr-based therapy becomes routine - even assuming that it can be shown to be effective."

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2024

They also face obstacles such as states’ statutes of limitations that may elapse before the patients sour on their transitions.

From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2023

I’ve been thinking about that timing the past few days: Apple had Steve Jobs, and when Jobs beefed with his bosses, more than a decade had to elapse before he could run the company again.

From Slate • Nov. 27, 2023

Whoever spotted Asmodeus was to report, after letting one minute elapse, to Matthias, who was positioned roughly at the center of the line.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• expire
• pass by
• transpire