Re‐lapse″ (r?–l?ps″), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Relapsed (–l?pst″); p. pr. & vb. n.Relapsing.] [L. relapsus, p. p. of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to fall, slip, slide. See Lapse.] 1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back. Dryden.
2. To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; — generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; — sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed.
That task performed, relapse into themselves. Cowper.
3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.
They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse. Waterland.