relapse Meaning, Definition & Usage

Re*lapse" intransitive verb

Etymology

L.relapsus, p. p. of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to fall, slip, slide. See Lapse.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Relapsed present participle & verbal noun Relapsing

Definitions

1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back. Obs. Dryden.
2. To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relaps into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed.

   That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves. Cowper.

3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.

   They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse. Waterland.

Re*lapse" noun

Etymology

For sense 2 cf. F. relaps. See Relapse, v.

Definitions

1. A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of having fallen back.

   Alas! from what high hope to what relapse Unlooked for are we fallen! Milton.

2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backlider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. Obs.