relapse

1 of 2

noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps  ˈrē-ˌlaps 

1

: the act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding

2

: a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

relapse

2 of 2

verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps 

relapsed; relapsing

intransitive verb

1

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state

2

: sink, subside

relapse into deep thought

relapser noun

Examples of relapse in a Sentence

Noun

Everyone thought she was well until a sudden relapse sent her back to the hospital.

a drug addict who has had a relapse

a drug addict who has a history of relapse

Verb

If you don't continue your treatment, you could relapse.

Malaria can relapse years after the original infection.

The country soon relapsed into chaos.

She stayed out of trouble for a long time, but then she relapsed into her old ways.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If your symptoms of anxiety do not improve, talk to your healthcare provider about getting professional treatments to reduce anxiety, decrease your risk of relapse, and improve your overall quality of life. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Long-term management of eating disorders involves ongoing treatment to address any health complications and prevent relapse. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 12 July 2024

Verb

The recovering alcoholic had come dangerously close to relapsing at that same bar on the same night, ordering a drink and staring at it for an hour before leaving without taking a sip. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2024

He was then sent to a residential treatment center, relapsed and was sent back. —Brian Brant, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin relapsus, from Latin relabi to slide back, from re- + labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

relapse

1 of 2 noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps  ˈrē-ˌlaps 

: a relapsing

especially : a recurrence of illness after a period of improvement

relapse

2 of 2 verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps 

relapsed; relapsing

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state

relapser noun

Medical Definition

relapse

1 of 2 noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps  ˈrē-ˌ 

: a recurrence of illness

especially : a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

a relapse after an 18-month remission

—M. T. Fosburg et al.

compare recrudescence

relapse

2 of 2 intransitive verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps 

relapsed; relapsing

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state (as of illness) after a change for the better

the patient relapsed twice in four years