elapse

¹elapse

intransitive verb \i-ˈlaps\

elapsedelaps·ing

Definition of ELAPSE

: pass, go by <four years elapsed before he returned>

Examples of ELAPSE

1. <in those coin-operated binoculars at scenic areas your viewing time seems to elapse almost before it has begun>

Origin of ELAPSE

Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use: 1644

Related to ELAPSE

Synonyms

break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, cease, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out)

Antonyms

continue, hang on, persist

Related Words

desist (from), lay off (of), refrain (from); give over [British], knock off, pack (up or in); break down, conk (out), cut out, stall; pause, stay, suspend; abate, peter (out), wind down

Near Antonyms

draw out, extend, prolong, protract

Rhymes with ELAPSE

collapse, perhaps, prolapse, relapse, synapse, time-lapse

²elapse

noun

Definition of ELAPSE

: passage <returned after an elapse of 15 years>

First Known Use of ELAPSE

circa 1677