Entry Word: lapse

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a change in status for the worse usually temporarily <the scandal caused the president to suffer a lapse in popularity> — see reverse 1
2 an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy <his slip of the tongue about the mayorʼs name was an unfortunate lapse> — see error 1
3 the stopping of a process or activity <wasnʼt bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club> — see end 1