First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1relapse
noun re·lapse \ri-ˈlaps, ˈrē-ˌ\
: the return of an illness after a period of improvement
: a return to bad behavior that you had stopped doing
Full Definition of RELAPSE
1
: the act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding
2
: a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement
See relapse defined for English-language learners
See relapse defined for kids
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Origin of RELAPSE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin relapsus, from Latin relabi to slide back, from re- + labi to slide — more at sleep
2relapse
verb re·lapse \ri-ˈlaps\
: to become ill again after a period of improvement in health
of an illness : to return or become worse after leaving or improving for a period of time
: to return to a bad condition, form of behavior, etc.
re·lapsedre·laps·ing
Full Definition of RELAPSE
intransitive verb
1
: to slip or fall back into a former worse state
See relapse defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RELAPSE
circa 1534
RELAPSE Defined for Kids
1relapse
noun re·lapse \ri-ˈlaps, ˈrē-ˌlaps\
Definition of RELAPSE for Kids
1
: a return of illness after a period of improvement
2
: a return to a former and undesirable state or condition <a relapse into bad habits>
2relapse
verb re·lapse \ri-ˈlaps\
re·lapsedre·laps·ing
Definition of RELAPSE for Kids
: to return to a former state or condition (as of illness or bad behavior) after a change for the better
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