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Relapse: meaning, definitions and examples

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relapse

 

[rɪˈlæps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

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

Synonyms

decline, deterioration, regression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relapse

Usually used in medical or recovery contexts to indicate a return to a previous worse state after a period of improvement.

  • After months of sobriety, Mark experienced a relapse
  • The patient's cancer went into remission, but unfortunately, there was a relapse
regression

Mainly used in psychological, developmental, or technical contexts to describe a return to an earlier, less advanced state.

  • The child’s behavior was noted to have a regression after the family moved
  • The software update caused a regression in functionality
deterioration

Generally used to describe a gradual process of becoming progressively worse, often related to physical or structural conditions.

  • There has been a noticeable deterioration in the old building
  • Her eyesight showed a steady deterioration over the years
decline

Typically used in general contexts to signify a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.

  • The company's profits saw a decline last quarter
  • There has been a decline in public interest in traditional news media

Examples of usage

  • The patient experienced a relapse after a few weeks of feeling better.
  • The doctor warned about the possibility of a relapse if the treatment is not followed properly.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

Suffer a deterioration in health after a temporary improvement

Synonyms

decline, deteriorate, regress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relapse

This word is often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a patient returning to a former worse state after seeming improvement. It can also be used in addiction recovery when someone falls back into old habits.

  • After six months of sobriety, he had a relapse and started drinking again.
  • The patient's condition seemed to improve, but unfortunately, she experienced a relapse.
regress

This word is frequently employed in psychological or developmental contexts to indicate returning to an earlier, less advanced stage. It carries a somewhat formal and technical tone.

  • The child seemed to regress in his behavior after the trauma.
  • Some patients regress under stress, showing behaviors typical of a younger age.
deteriorate

Often used in both medical and general contexts to indicate something getting worse over time, especially in terms of physical or structural condition. It generally highlights a process rather than a sudden change.

  • The building's condition has deteriorated rapidly due to neglect.
  • Her eyesight began to deteriorate as she aged.
decline

This term is commonly used to discuss a general decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. It can apply to health, economics, moral standards, etc.

  • The economic decline has affected businesses worldwide.
  • His health has been in decline for several years.

Examples of usage

  • He relapsed soon after leaving the hospital.
  • It is important to monitor the patient closely to prevent relapsing.

Interesting Facts

Medical Science

  • In medicine, the term describes when a disease returns after a period of improvement, such as cancer coming back.
  • Mental health recovery often involves relapses, highlighting the importance of ongoing support and therapy.
  • Addiction treatment frequently discusses relapse, as individuals may return to substance use after a period of sobriety.

Psychology

  • Relapse can create feelings of guilt and shame, impacting a person's self-esteem and willingness to seek help again.
  • Research suggests that understanding triggers can help reduce the chances of relapse in behaviors like smoking or overeating.
  • Relapse prevention strategies focus on managing cravings and building resilience against returning to old habits.

Literature

  • The concept of relapse is often explored in literature, symbolizing human struggles and the cycle of overcoming and succumbing to challenges.
  • Classic novels frequently depict characters facing relapses, often as a part of their journey towards redemption.
  • Poetry sometimes uses relapse as a metaphor for the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Pop Culture

  • In music, many songs touch on themes of falling back into bad habits or unhealthy relationships, reflecting the emotional complexity of relapses.
  • Television shows often depict characters experiencing relapse as a way to illustrate their ongoing struggles and growth.
  • Film adaptations of real-life recovery stories frequently depict the difficult path that includes relapses as part of the recovery journey.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, various cultures have acknowledged the recurring nature of illness, emphasizing the importance of continuous care and vigilance.
  • Historical figures in recovery often experienced relapses, which were documented to highlight the challenges and realities of rehabilitation.
  • The study of addiction and relapse has evolved significantly, with different historical approaches influencing contemporary understanding and treatment.

Translations

Translations of the word "relapse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recaída

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति

🇩🇪 Rückfall

🇮🇩 kambuh

🇺🇦 рецидив

🇵🇱 nawrót

🇯🇵 再発

🇫🇷 rechute

🇪🇸 recaída

🇹🇷 nüks

🇰🇷 재발

🇸🇦 انتكاسة

🇨🇿 relaps

🇸🇰 relaps

🇨🇳 复发

🇸🇮 ponovitev

🇮🇸 bakslag

🇰🇿 қайталану

🇬🇪 რეციდივი

🇦🇿 təkrarlanma

🇲🇽 recaída

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,236, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.