What does relapsing mean?
Relapsing describes a condition, behavior, or person that repeatedly returns to an earlier state. The word is especially common in medical and psychological contexts, as in relapsing fever and relapsing addiction, where it indicates that symptoms or harmful patterns recur after periods of improvement. It can also function as a verb: someone who is relapsing is slipping back into a former condition or pattern. The term generally carries a negative or cautionary implication because it suggests a cycle that has not been fully overcome, though it does not necessarily mean that recovery is impossible. Relapsing is more precise than simply saying that something happens again, since it specifically implies a return to a prior condition. In ordinary use, it can sound somewhat clinical, while in discussions of addiction and illness it is an established and useful term.
That repeatedly or continually returns to a previous condition, state, or behavior.
"The clinic specializes in treating relapsing addiction."
Common in medical, psychological, and behavioral contexts.
To return repeatedly or continually to a previous condition, state, or behavior.
"Without continuing care, the patient began relapsing into the same symptoms."
Usually used in a progressive or gerund construction; the base form relapse is more common in formal writing.
Relapsing captures the cycle of recovery and return: improvement is real, but the old condition can reappear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relapsing come from?
The related noun and verb relapse come through Old French from Latin relapsus, the past participle of relabi, meaning “to slip back.” Relapsing is the present participle of relapse and has long been used adjectivally for recurring conditions. Its underlying sense is of falling or sliding back into a former state, a meaning preserved in modern medical and general usage.
Related word forms
How relapsing is actually used
As an adjective, relapsing is commonly used before nouns such as fever, addiction, or behavior. As a verb, it is the present participle of relapse and usually appears in a progressive or gerund construction; in formal medical writing, relapse is often preferred as the base form.
Easily confused with relapsing
Relapsing means returning to an earlier condition, whereas relaxing means becoming less tense or taking time to rest.
Lapsing generally means slipping or falling into a less satisfactory state, while relapsing more specifically emphasizes a return to a previous condition.