Main Entry:

²lapse

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

lapsed; laps·ing

Date:

1611

intransitive verb1 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