relapse

//rɪˈlæps//
B2Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of relapse

Noun

relapseSingular
relapsesPlural
1

A deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement.

The patient suffered a relapse after leaving the hospital.

2

A return to a previous condition, especially a bad one, such as addiction or harmful behavior.

After months of progress, he had a relapse into his old gambling habits.

Verb

relapseInfinitive
relapsePresent tense
relapsedPast tense
relapsedPast participle
relapsingPresent participle
relapsesThird-person singular
1

To suffer deterioration after a period of improvement in health.

The patient relapsed after stopping the medication.

2

To return to a previous undesirable state or behavior, especially after a period of abstinence or recovery.

After six months of sobriety, he relapsed into his old drinking habits.