lapse

¹lapse

noun \ˈlaps\

Definition of LAPSE

1

a : a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention <a lapse in table manners>

b : a temporary deviation or fall especially from a higher to a lower state <a lapse from grace>

2

: a becoming less : decline

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

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

Examples of LAPSE

1. He blamed the error on a minor mental lapse.
2. a lapse into bad habits

Origin of LAPSE

Latin lapsus, from labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use: 1526

Related to LAPSE

Synonyms

knock, reverse, reversal, setback

Antonyms

continuance, continuation

Related Words

disappointment, frustration, letdown; comedown, decline, descent, down, downfall, fall; turnabout, turnaround; recession, regression, retrogression, reversion; relapse; breakdown, collapse, crash, meltdown, ruin, undoing

Near Antonyms

status quo

See Synonym Discussion at error

Rhymes with LAPSE

apse, chaps, craps, schnapps, taps, traps

²lapse

verb

lapsedlaps·ing

Definition of LAPSE

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 membership — AAUP Bulletin>

— laps·er noun

Examples of LAPSE

1. After a few polite words the conversation lapsed.
2. Her interest in politics lapsed while she was in medical school.
3. She didn't pay the premium and her life insurance policy lapsed.
4. He forgot to renew his driver's license, so it lapsed.
5. She allowed the magazine subscription to lapse.

First Known Use of LAPSE

1611

Related to LAPSE

Synonyms

break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, go, halt, cease, 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