Main Entry: ²lapse

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): lapsed; laps·ing

Date: 1611

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