elapse

1 of 2

verb

i-ˈlaps 

elapsed; elapsing

intransitive verb

: pass, go by

four years elapsed before he returned

elapse

2 of 2

noun

: passage

returned after an elapse of 15 years

Synonyms of elapse

Verb

• expire
• stop
• end
• cease
• conclude
• halt
• lapse
• pass
• terminate

Examples of elapse in a Sentence

Verb

in those coin-operated binoculars at scenic areas your viewing time seems to elapse almost before it has begun

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The recordings, first obtained by The Associated Press, show that precious minutes elapsed as officials and responders tried to figure out whether a request for emergency help in the execution chamber was legitimate. — CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

For 24% of them, less than five minutes elapsed between deciding to end their life and attempting to do so. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Noun

But the argument of the play doesn’t so much build as elapse. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2026

Forty-four seconds elapse between the ball going out of play off Kadioglu and Cristhian Mosquera taking the goal kick. — Stuart James, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1644, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1693, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for elapse

• bitmaps
• bootstraps
• collapse
• mishaps
• perhaps
• prolapse
• relapse
• satraps
• wiretaps
• apps
• caps
• chaps

Kids Definition

elapse

verb

i-ˈlaps

elapsed; elapsing

: to slip or glide away : pass

weeks elapsed before I found time to write