lapse

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention
a lapse in table manners
a lapse in security
b
: a temporary deviation or fall especially from a higher to a lower state
a lapse from grace
ethical lapses
2
: a becoming less : decline
a lapse in the supply of technicians
3
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
the lapse of an insurance policy
b
: interruption, discontinuance
returned to college after a lapse of several years
4
: an abandonment of religious faith
5
: a passage of time
also : interval
the roots of trees … have been preserved after a lapse of five thousand years Niger Calder

lapse

2 of 2

verb

lapsed; lapsing

intransitive verb

1
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
2
: to go out of existence : cease
after a few polite exchanges, the conversation lapsed
3
: to pass from one proprietor to another or from an original owner by omission or negligence
allowed the insurance policy to lapse
4
: to glide along : pass
time lapses

transitive verb

: to let slip : forfeit
all of those who have lapsed their membershipAAUP Bull.
lapser noun
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of lapse in a Sentence

Noun He blamed the error on a minor mental lapse. a lapse into bad habits Verb After a few polite words the conversation lapsed. Her interest in politics lapsed while she was in medical school. She didn't pay the premium and her life insurance policy lapsed. He forgot to renew his driver's license, so it lapsed. She allowed the magazine subscription to lapse.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
For example, in the early days of social media, companies made assertions about safeguarding user data and moderating content, only for later revelations to expose significant lapses and breaches of trust. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Boeing has racked up core operating losses of more than $33 billion since 2019, and has attracted the scrutiny of regulators after a string of severe, sometimes fatal safety lapses in recent years. Anna Cooban, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
At the time of the anniversary, however, the act has lapsed and is not currently included in the National Defense Authorization Act – the bill’s best chance for reauthorization. Olivia Enos, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Fire Districts 4 and 13 are both hoping to restore rates that voters approved in the past but have since lapsed. Tim Clouser | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapse 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Latin lapsus, from labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use

Noun

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1611, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lapse was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near lapse

Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapse. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lapse

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: a slight error or slip
lapse of memory
b
: a temporary fall especially from a higher to a lower state
lapse into bad habits
2
: the ending of a right or privilege through failure to meet requirements
3
: a passage of time

lapse

2 of 2 verb
lapsed; lapsing
1
: to slip, pass, or fall gradually
lapse into silence
2
: to come to an end : cease

Legal Definition

lapse

1 of 2 noun
: a termination or failure due to events, neglect, or time: as
a
: the failure of a bequest (as because the intended recipient dies before the testator) compare anti-lapse statute
b
: the termination of an insurance policy because of nonpayment of premiums or nonrenewal

lapse

2 of 2 verb
lapsed; lapsing

intransitive verb

: to terminate, become ineffective, or fail
the bequest lapsed when the son died before the father
allowed the insurance policy to lapse

transitive verb

: to cause (as a policy) to lapse
the company lapsed the policy

More from Merriam-Webster on lapse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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