elapse

[ih-laps]

verb (used without object)

elapsed, elapsing 

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 Word Forms

• unelapsed 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

"Because such a lot of time has elapsed, the evidence would have disappeared and the possibility of a reinvestigation is impossible."

Read more on BBC

Because he was absent for more than eight minutes, he was not allowed to bat until the same amount of time had elapsed, as per the rules.

Read more on Barron's

Right now, fans at least have a rough idea of the time that has elapsed in a game, and get stoppage time from the boards raised at 45 and 90 minues.

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Millions of Americans have struggled to afford groceries since benefits elapsed Nov. 1, inspiring many Republican lawmakers to join Democrats in demanding an emergency stopgap.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Another observation was that recovery improved when more time elapsed between the distraction and the required response.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• expire 
• pass by 
• transpire