relapse

²re·lapse

verb \ri-ˈlaps\

re·lapsedre·laps·ing

Definition of RELAPSE

intransitive verb

1

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state

2

: sink, subside <relapse into deep thought>

— re·laps·er noun

Examples of RELAPSE

1. If you don't continue your treatment, you could relapse.
2. Malaria can relapse years after the original infection.
3. The country soon relapsed into chaos.
4. She stayed out of trouble for a long time, but then she relapsed into her old ways.

First Known Use of RELAPSE

circa 1534