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¹elapse

verb \i-ˈlaps\

of time : to pass by

elapsedelaps·ing

Full Definition of ELAPSE

intransitive verb

: pass, go by <four years elapsed before he returned>

See elapse defined for English-language learners

See elapse defined for kids

Origin of ELAPSE

Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use: 1644

Related to ELAPSE

Synonyms: break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, cease, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out)

Antonyms: continue, hang on, persist

Rhymes with ELAPSE

collapse, perhaps, prolapse, relapse, synapse, time-lapse

²elapse

noun

Definition of ELAPSE

: passage <returned after an elapse of 15 years>

First Known Use of ELAPSE

circa 1677

ELAPSE Defined for Kids

elapse

verb \i-ˈlaps\

elapsedelaps·ing

Definition of ELAPSE for Kids

: to slip past : go by <Nearly a year elapsed before his return.>

Learn More About ELAPSE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "elapse"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "elapse"

Nglish: Translation of "elapse" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "elapse" for Arabic speakers

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