relapse
|re-lapse|
B2
/rɪˈlæps/
fall back
Etymology
Etymology Information
'relapse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'relabi,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'labi' meant 'to slip.'
Historical Evolution
'relabi' transformed into the Old French word 'relaps,' and eventually became the modern English word 'relapse' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to slip back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to fall back into a previous state.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement.
After months of recovery, he suffered a relapse.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39