relapse

American  

[ri-laps, ri-laps, ree-laps] / rɪˈlæps, rɪˈlæps, ˈri læps /

verb (used without object)

relapsed, relapsing

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

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noun

1. an act or instance of relapsing.

2. a return of a disease or illness after partial recovery from it.

relapse British  

verb

1. to lapse back into a former state or condition, esp one involving bad habits

2. to become ill again after apparent recovery

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noun

1. the act or an instance of relapsing

2. the return of ill health after an apparent or partial recovery

Other Word Forms

• relapsable adjective
• relapser noun
• unrelapsing adjective

Etymology

Origin of relapse

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

Example Sentences

Individuals who had relapsed after therapy had significantly narrower cristae than newly diagnosed patients, with the most dramatic differences appearing in those previously treated with venetoclax.

From Science Daily

Immune cells act like vigilant sentries, moving through tissues and detecting remaining cancer cells that could lead to relapse.

From Science Daily

As the medics will tell you, you are not cured until you reach five years, post-treatment, without a relapse.

From BBC

Mr Ashdown told the AP that his partner had been sober for more than 18 months but had recently had a relapse.

From BBC

He told the Associated Press that Armstrong had been sober for more than 18 months, and recently had a relapse.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• recidivism
• recurrence
• regression
• worsening