relapse

[ri-laps, ri-laps, ree-laps]

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

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

Other Word Forms

• relapsable adjective
• relapser noun
• unrelapsing 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

For those in or near relapse, an easily available appetite suppressant can be seriously dangerous, she says.

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Their work uncovered traces of two disease-causing pathogens -- those behind paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever -- which match the symptoms described in eyewitness records from that time.

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"I hope taking part in the trial means I will never have to experience another relapse and that my MS symptoms will not progress," Mrs Henders said.

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They described a revolving-door pattern of going backwards and forwards between NHS services for different treatments, with their daughter improving and then repeatedly relapsing.

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"I know what it's like going to rehab. I know what it's like to relapse and I know what its like to be given a second chance," he said.

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Related Words

• recidivism 
• recurrence 
• regression 
• worsening www.thesaurus.com