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¹lapse

noun \ˈlaps\

: an occurrence in which you fail to think or act in the usual or proper way for a brief time and make a mistake

: an occurrence in which someone behaves badly for usually a short period of time

: a change that results in worse behavior

Full Definition of LAPSE

a : a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention <a lapse in table manners>

b : a temporary deviation or fall especially from a higher to a lower state <a lapse from grace>

: a becoming less : decline

a (1) : the termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within some limit of time (2) : termination of coverage for nonpayment of premiums

b : interruption, discontinuance <returned to college after a lapse of several years>

: an abandonment of religious faith

: a passage of time; also : interval

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Origin of LAPSE

Latin lapsus, from labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use: 1526

Related to LAPSE

Synonyms: knock, reverse, reversal, setback

Antonyms: continuance, continuation

Synonym Discussion of LAPSE

error, mistake, blunder, slip, lapse mean a departure from what is true, right, or proper. error suggests the existence of a standard or guide and a straying from the right course through failure to make effective use of this <procedural errors>. mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error <dialed the wrong number by mistake>. blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame <diplomatic blunders>. slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes <a slip of the tongue>. lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause <a lapse in judgment>.

Rhymes with LAPSE

apse, chaps, craps, schnapps, taps, traps

²lapse

verb

: to stop for usually a brief time

: to become no longer effective or valid

lapsedlaps·ing

Full Definition of LAPSE

intransitive verb

a : to fall from an attained and usually high level (as of morals or manners) to one much lower; also : to depart from an accepted pattern or standard

b : sink, slip <lapsed into unconsciousness>

: to go out of existence : cease <after a few polite exchanges, the conversation lapsed>

: to pass from one proprietor to another or from an original owner by omission or negligence <allowed the insurance policy to lapse>

: to glide along : pass <time lapses>

transitive verb

: to let slip : forfeit <all of those who have lapsed their membership — AAUP Bulletin>

— laps·er noun

See lapse defined for English-language learners