browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
relapsed |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. 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. --Cowper. 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. --Waterland.
more about relapsed