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1. Dictionary

   lapse

   /laps/

   noun

   • 1. a brief or temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgement: "a lapse of concentration in the second set cost her the match" Similar failurefailingsliperrormistakeblunderfaultomissionoversightnegligencederelictioninformal:slip-upfail
   • ▪ a decline from previously high standards: "tracing his lapse into petty crime" Similar declinedownturnfallfallingfalling awayslippingdropdeteriorationworseningdegenerationderelictionbackslidingregressionretrogressiondecaydescentsinkingslideebbwaningcorruptiondebasementtaintingcorrosionimpairment
   • ▪ the termination of a right or privilege through disuse or failure to follow appropriate procedures.
   • 2. an interval or passage of time: "there was a considerable lapse of time between the two events" Similar intervalgappauseintermissioninterludelullhiatusbreakpassagecoursepassingperiodtermspanspell

   verb

   • 1. (of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, claimed, or renewed; expire: "he let his membership of CND lapse" Similar expirebecome voidbecome invalidrun outterminatebecome obsolete
   • ▪ (of a state or activity) fail to be maintained; come to an end: "if your diet has lapsed it's time you revived it" Similar endceasecome to an endstopterminatevanishdisappearpassfadefall awaydwindlewiltwitherdie
   • ▪ cease to follow the rules and practices of a religion or doctrine: "many Christians in Britain have lapsed"
   • 2. pass gradually into (an inferior state or condition): "the country has lapsed into chaos" Similar deterioratedeclinefallfall offdropworsendegeneratedecayrotbackslideregressretrogressget worsesinkwaneslumpfailinformal:go downhillgo to potgo to the dogsgo down the toilethit the skidsOpposite improvestrengthen
   • ▪ revert to (a previous or more familiar style of speaking or behaviour): "the girls lapsed into French" Similar revertrelapsefall backdriftslideslipsinksubside

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Latin lapsus, from labi ‘to glide, slip, or fall’; the verb reinforced by Latin lapsare ‘to slip or stumble’.

   Scrabble Points: 7

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishLAPSE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   to end legally or officially by not being continued or made effective for a longer period: The association needs to win back former members who have allowed their subscriptions to lapse. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Phrasal verb. lapse into something.

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › lapseLapse Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › lapse

   • Cached

   Jul 9, 2012 · The meaning of LAPSE is a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention. How to use lapse in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Lapse.

4. www.dictionary.com › browse › lapseLAPSE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › lapse

   • Cached

   Lapse definition: an accidental or temporary decline or deviation from an expected or accepted condition or state; a temporary falling or slipping from a previous standard. See examples of LAPSE used in a sentence.

5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishLAPSE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   A lapse is a moment or instance of bad behaviour by someone who usually behaves well. On Friday he showed neither decency nor dignity. It was an uncommon lapse.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryLAPSE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   LAPSE meaning: 1. a temporary failure: 2. a period of time passing between two things happening: 3. to end…. Learn more.

7. www.thefreedictionary.com › lapseLapse - definition of lapse by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › lapse

   • Cached

   n. 1. The act or an instance of lapsing, as: a. A usually minor or temporary failure; a slip: a lapse of memory; a lapse in judgment. b. A deterioration or decline: a lapse into barbarism.

8. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › lapseLapse - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › lapse

   A lapse is a temporary slip, failure or break in continuity. If you’re normally polite, a lapse in manners could make you forget to say “please” and “thank you.”