Relapsed: meaning, definitions and examples

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relapsed

 

[ rɪˈlæpst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical recovery

To relapse means to fall back into a previous state, especially after a period of improvement or recovery. It is commonly used in the context of addiction, where an individual returns to substance use after trying to abstain.

Synonyms

backslide, fall back, regress, return.

Examples of usage

  • He relapsed into drug use after several months of sobriety.
  • The patient relapsed despite following the prescribed treatment plan.
  • She feared she would relapse after facing so many stressors.

Translations

Translations of the word "relapsed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recaído

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति

🇩🇪 rückfällig

🇮🇩 kambuh

🇺🇦 рецидивував

🇵🇱 nawrócony

🇯🇵 再発した

🇫🇷 récidivé

🇪🇸 recaído

🇹🇷 nükseden

🇰🇷 재발한

🇸🇦 عاد

🇨🇿 recidivoval

🇸🇰 recidivoval

🇨🇳 复发

🇸🇮 ponovno zbolel

🇮🇸 enda aftur

🇰🇿 қайталанған

🇬🇪 გადამწყვეტი

🇦🇿 təkrarlanmış

🇲🇽 recaído

Etymology

The term 'relapse' originates from the Latin word 'relapsus', which is the past participle of 'relabi', meaning 'to slip back'. This Latin root is composed of 're-', meaning 'back', and 'labi', meaning 'to fall'. The word was first used in the English language in the early 15th century, primarily in the context of medicine to describe a return of a disease after a period of improvement. Over time, it broadened to describe any situation where someone reverts to a previous undesirable state, especially in the context of addiction and recovery. The concept of relapse is crucial in understanding the cycle of addiction and the challenges faced by individuals who are trying to overcome substance use or behavioral reliance.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,173, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.