What does relapse mean?
A relapse is the recurrence of an illness, addiction, or unwanted behavior after a period of recovery or improvement. The word is particularly common in medicine, where it can describe the return of symptoms or a renewed need for treatment. In everyday use, it can refer more broadly to falling back into an old habit, such as returning to destructive behavior despite having stopped it. “Relapse” carries a discouraging or cautionary tone because it suggests that progress has been interrupted or reversed. The related verb can be followed by “into” when naming a habit or condition: to relapse into addiction. It can also stand alone when the previous problem is already clear. In contrast, “lapse” usually describes a deterioration, mistake, or gradual falling away, rather than specifically a return to a former state.
A return to a previous illness, addiction, habit, or undesirable condition after recovery or improvement.
"The doctor said that another relapse could occur if the medication was stopped too soon."
Common in medical and addiction-related contexts, while also being used figuratively for a return to an old problem or behavior.
To return to a previous illness, addiction, habit, or undesirable condition after having recovered or improved.
"He relapsed into smoking after years of trying to quit."
Often used with “into” before a condition or behavior: “relapse into addiction,” “relapse into old habits.”
The plural is used when referring to separate recurrences of an illness, problem, or behavior.
"Several relapses prevented the patient from completing the program."
A relapse is the unwelcome sequel to recovery: the past returns when the present seems safely under control.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relapse come from?
The word comes through French from Latin, where related forms were built on labi, “to slip” or “to fall.” Relapse originally referred to falling back into a former condition. Its modern sense as a recurrence of illness developed in medical usage, and the metaphorical sense for renewed harmful behavior followed from that history.
Related word forms
How relapse is actually used
The word is especially common in medical contexts, but it is also used metaphorically for returning to an old behavior or condition. It generally implies that the person or situation had previously recovered, improved, or moved away from the problem.
Easily confused with relapse
A relapse is a return to a former illness, habit, or problem, whereas a lapse is a gradual decline, failure, or mistake that does not necessarily involve returning to an earlier condition.