Category:Relapse

Re*lapse" (r-lps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Relapsed (-lpst"); p. pr. & Vb. n. Relapsing.] Etym: [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.

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 relaps Into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good Sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed. That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves. Cowper.

3. (theol.)

Defn: to fall from christian faith into paganism, heresy, or Unbelief; to backslide. They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, Unless they relapse. Waterland.

Relapse Re*lapse", n. Etym: [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. Alas! From what high hope to what relapse unlooked for are we fallen! Milton.

2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backlider; Specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. [obs.]