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Relapse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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.

Origin of 'relapse'

The word 'relapse' originated from the Latin word 'relapsus', which means 'to slip back'. The concept of relapse has been present in medical literature for centuries, with a focus on the recurrence of symptoms or deterioration in health. Understanding the factors that contribute to relapse is crucial in the treatment and management of various conditions.

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.