Definition of Lapse

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Definition of Lapse

Lapse

A gliding, slipping, or gradual falling; an unobserved or imperceptible progress or passing away,; -- restricted usually to immaterial things, or to figurative uses.

A slip; an error; a fault; a failing in duty; a slight deviation from truth or rectitude.

The termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within the limited time, or through failure of some contingency; hence, the devolution of a right or privilege.

A fall or apostasy.

To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away; to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; -- mostly restricted to figurative uses.

To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to fall from virtue; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault by inadvertence or mistake.

To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, or from the original destination, by the omission, negligence, or failure of some one, as a patron, a legatee, etc.

To become ineffectual or void; to fall.

To let slip; to permit to devolve on another; to allow to pass.

To surprise in a fault or error; hence, to surprise or catch, as an offender.

Related Definitions:

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Lapse Quotations

No story is the same to us after a lapse of time; or rather we who read it are no longer the same interpreters.
George Eliot

I found my interest lapse in both acting and racing.
Lillie Langtry

When we bring back with us the objects most dear, and find those we left unchanged, we are tempted to doubt the lapse of time; but one link in the chain of affection broken, and every thing seems altered.
Marguerite Gardiner

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.
Robert Southey

One lapse of judgment can cost and talent isn't everything. A huge slice of good fortune in needed to make it to the top, and without that element of luck, you've no chance.
John Barrow

Lapse Translations

lapse in Dutch is terugvallen
lapse in Portuguese is lapso
lapse in Spanish is lapso

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