relapse

1 of 2

noun

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio) ˈrē-ˌlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio)
Synonyms of relapse
1
: the act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding
2
: a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

relapse

2 of 2

verb

re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio)
relapsed; relapsing

intransitive verb

1
: to slip or fall back into a former worse state
2
: sink, subside
relapse into deep thought
relapser noun

Examples of relapse in a Sentence

Noun Everyone thought she was well until a sudden relapse sent her back to the hospital. a drug addict who has had a relapse a drug addict who has a history of relapse Verb If you don't continue your treatment, you could relapse. Malaria can relapse years after the original infection. The country soon relapsed into chaos. She stayed out of trouble for a long time, but then she relapsed into her old ways.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Early discontinuation is one of the strongest predictors of relapse and overdose. — Yashaswini Singh, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 As more details came out, the sad truth of Perry’s relapses and drug hustle emerged. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
Marketed under the brand name Keytruda, pembrolizumab is considered to be something of a wonder drug in its own right, with just 30% of patients relapsing in the first two years of treatment. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026 Jasper, 40, has sought treatment and stabilized and relapsed several times in the past two years. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relapse

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin relapsus, from Latin relabi to slide back, from re- + labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relapse was in the 15th century

Rhymes for relapse

See All Rhymes for relapse

Browse Nearby Words

relandscape
relapse
relapser
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relapse. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relapse

1 of 2 noun
re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio) ˈrē-ˌlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio)
: a relapsing
especially : a recurrence of illness after a period of improvement

relapse

2 of 2 verb
re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio)
relapsed; relapsing
: to slip or fall back into a former worse state
relapser noun

Medical Definition

relapse

1 of 2 noun
re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio) ˈrē-ˌ How to pronounce relapse (audio)
: a recurrence of illness
especially : a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement
a relapse after an 18-month remission —M. T. Fosburg et al.
compare recrudescence

relapse

2 of 2 intransitive verb
re·​lapse ri-ˈlaps How to pronounce relapse (audio)
relapsed; relapsing
: to slip or fall back into a former worse state (as of illness) after a change for the better
the patient relapsed twice in four years

More from Merriam-Webster on relapse

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for relapse

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