relapse

[rɪˈlæps]

relapse Definition

• 1. a return to a previous state or condition, especially after a period of improvement
• 2. a recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement

Using relapse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "relapse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  After months of sobriety, he suffered a relapse and started drinking again.

• Example

  The patient's relapse was unexpected and disappointing.

• Example

  The company's profits showed a relapse after a period of growth.

• Example

  Her depression showed signs of relapse.

relapse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for relapse

• regression
• backslide
• retrogression
• reversion
• recidivism

Antonyms for relapse

• recovery
• improvement
• progress

Idioms Using relapse

• fall off the wagon

  to resume a negative behavior after a period of abstinence or improvement

  Example

  After six months without smoking, she fell off the wagon and started again.

• slip back into old habits

  to return to negative behaviors or patterns of thinking after a period of improvement

  Example

  It's easy to slip back into old habits if you're not careful.

• two steps forward, one step back

  a phrase used to describe a situation where progress is being made, but setbacks occur along the way

  Example

  We're making progress on the project, but it's two steps forward, one step back.

Phrases with relapse

• relapse prevention

  the process of identifying and managing triggers that may lead to a return to negative behaviors or conditions

  Example

  Relapse prevention strategies are important for individuals in recovery from addiction.

• relapse rate

  the percentage of people who experience a relapse after a period of improvement

  Example

  The relapse rate for patients with this type of cancer is relatively high.

• relapse trigger

  a person, place, thing, or situation that can cause a relapse

  Example

  Being around old friends who still use drugs can be a relapse trigger for someone in recovery.

Origins of relapse

from Latin 're-' meaning 'back' + 'lapsus' meaning 'fall'

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Summary: relapse in Brief

The term 'relapse' [rɪˈlæps] refers to a return to a previous state or condition, often after a period of improvement. It can refer to a recurrence of symptoms of a disease or negative behaviors, such as addiction or depression. Phrases like 'relapse prevention' and 'relapse trigger' are used to describe strategies for avoiding or managing relapses. Idioms like 'fall off the wagon' and 'slip back into old habits' describe the experience of relapse.