relapse

1 of 2

noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps  ˈrē-ˌlaps 

1

: the act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding

2

: a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

relapse

2 of 2

verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps 

relapsed; relapsing

intransitive verb

1

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state

2

: sink, subside

relapse into deep thought

relapser noun

Examples of relapse in a Sentence

Noun

Everyone thought she was well until a sudden relapse sent her back to the hospital.

a drug addict who has had a relapse

a drug addict who has a history of relapse

Verb

If you don't continue your treatment, you could relapse.

Malaria can relapse years after the original infection.

The country soon relapsed into chaos.

She stayed out of trouble for a long time, but then she relapsed into her old ways.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In this go-around in the genre that has captivated audiences since 1973’s The Exorcist, Crowe is joined by Ryan Simpkins as his character’s estranged daughter, who begins to suspect her father’s troubles are more sinister than a relapse into former addiction issues. —Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024

Angélil died in 2016 at the age of 73 after multiple cancer diagnoses, including a 2014 relapse of the disease that caused Dion to postpone her previous commitments. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin relapsus, from Latin relabi to slide back, from re- + labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

relapse

1 of 2 noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps  ˈrē-ˌlaps 

: a relapsing

especially : a recurrence of illness after a period of improvement

relapse

2 of 2 verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps 

relapsed; relapsing

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state

relapser noun

Medical Definition

relapse

1 of 2 noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps  ˈrē-ˌ 

: a recurrence of illness

especially : a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

a relapse after an 18-month remission

—M. T. Fosburg et al.

compare recrudescence

relapse

2 of 2 intransitive verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps 

relapsed; relapsing

: to slip or fall back into a former worse state (as of illness) after a change for the better

the patient relapsed twice in four years