Dictionary-Definition.com :: Relapse definition

Definition of 'relapse'

noun

A failure to maintain a higher state [syn: backsliding, lapse, lapsing, relapse, relapsing, reversion, reverting]

verb

Deteriorate in health; "he relapsed" [syn: get worse, relapse] [ant: bounce back, get over, get well]

verb

Go back to bad behavior; "Those who recidivate are often minor criminals" [syn: relapse, lapse, recidivate, regress, retrogress, fall back]

From: GCIDE

Relapse \Re*lapse"\, n. [For sense 2 cf. F. relaps. See Relapse, v.]
1. A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of having fallen back. [1913 Webster]
Alas! from what high hope to what relapse Unlooked for are we fallen! --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Relapse \Re*lapse"\ (r?-l?ps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Relapsed (-l?pst"); p. pr. & vb. n. Relapsing.] [L. relapsus, p. p. of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to fall, slip, slide. See Lapse.]
1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back. [Obs.] --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
2. To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed. [1913 Webster]
That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]
3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide. [1913 Webster]
They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse. --Waterland. [1913 Webster]