RELAPSE • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Relapse

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/rilˈæps/ Listen

noun

Relapse n.

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!"

2.

One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. (Obs.)

verb

Relapse v. i. (past & past part. relapsed; pres. part. relapsing)

1.

To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back. (Obs.)

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. "That task performed, (preachers) relapse into themselves."

3.

(Theol.) 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."

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Etymology of 'Relapse'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Relapse" Quotes from Famous Books

... president's recovery was regarded as certain, and public thanksgivings were offered in several of the States, by order of the governors, for his deliverance. The first check in the favorable symptoms occurred on July 18, and July 23 there was a serious relapse, attended with chills and fever. The wound had been frequently probed but without securing any favorable result. The induction balance was used to locate the ball, and was regarded as a success, though subsequently its indications were known to have been altogether erroneous. The probings, ...

— Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 • Barkham Burroughs

... if you relapse. What needs this? I say nothing but what you yourself, in open hours of love, have told me. Why should you deny it? Nay, how can you? Is not all this present heat owing to the same fire? Do you not love him still? How have I this day offended you, but in not breaking off his match with ...

— The Comedies of William Congreve - Volume 1 [of 2] • William Congreve

... She appeared about to relapse into hysterics, and knowing that I could not help her at the moment, and might only make matters worse, I stopped Fletcher with a threatening gesture as he prepared to address me, and hurried out with Tetley, ...

— Lorimer of the Northwest • Harold Bindloss

... fell asleep. But on awaking she was attacked as before, and try as he might the physician could not effect a permanent cure. To all his "passes" she responded with gratifying promptitude, only to suffer a relapse the moment she was released from the ...

— Historic Ghosts and Ghost Hunters • H. Addington Bruce

... shone brightly, but every thing was quiet. Boston was buried in sleep. The sentry's cry of "All's well" could be heard distinctly from its shores, together with the drowsy calling of the watch on board of the ships of war, and then all would relapse into silence. Satisfied that the enemy were perfectly unconscious of what was going on upon the hill, he returned to the works, and a little before daybreak ...

— The Life of George Washington, Volume I • Washington Irving

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