Relapse
/rɪˈlæps/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo return to a previous negative behavior or condition after a period of improvement.
/rɪˈlæps/
To fall back into a previous condition or state, especially after improvement.
After months of sobriety, the addict relapsed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you've been doing really well at something, like not eating candy. But then, you give in and eat some. That's a relapse. You go back to something you were trying to avoid.
👶 For kids: When you're doing something good, like not eating too many sweets, and then you start doing it again, that's called a relapse!
More Examples
The athlete relapsed due to a recurring injury.
The economy is feared to relapse into recession.
How It's Used
"The patient relapsed after several months of remission."
"He relapsed after attending a support group for six months."
"She relapsed into her old habits of procrastination."
A return to a previous state, especially a negative one, after a period of improvement or recovery.
/ˈriːlæps/
A return to a previous, usually worse, state or condition.
The patient suffered a relapse of his symptoms.
💡 Simply: It's like when you've been feeling good, but then something bad happens, and you go back to feeling worse. Like if you got over being sick, but then you get sick again. That second time being sick is a relapse.
👶 For kids: When you're getting better from something, and then you go back to feeling bad, that's called a relapse!
More Examples
The economy saw a relapse after a period of growth.
A relapse in her addiction was a major setback.
How It's Used
"The doctor warned of the possibility of a relapse after the treatment."
"She experienced a relapse in her depression."
"A relapse into old spending habits led to financial difficulties."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
risk of relapse
The possibility of a return to a previous, often negative, state.
"The patient faces a high risk of relapse if he stops taking his medication."
From Latin *relapsus*, past participle of *relabi* (“to slip back”), from *re-* (“back”) + *labi* (“to slip, slide”).
The word 'relapse' has been used since the 17th century, initially in a medical context, later expanding to various fields.
Memory tip
Think of a rubber band snapping back after being stretched—a relapse is like snapping back to an earlier state.
Word Origin
"to slip back"