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

He could have allowed a decent interval to elapse after the disastrous air strike, and then ordered the supply route reopened.

From The Daily Beast

Let an interval elapse between the filling of succeeding pipes.

From Project Gutenberg

The publishers thought also that some time might elapse before a second edition would be called for.

From Project Gutenberg

Hours must elapse before that tiny figure, provided it were approaching, could reach the solitary palm.

From Project Gutenberg

When this occurred, the time that was to elapse between Laura's marriage and her return to the ranks was shortened to one week.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a creed in which Sabatier had absolute faith, and the passing week was merely an interval which must elapse before success.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• expire
• pass by
• transpire