Definitions

1. noun

a return to a previous state of illness, addiction, or other undesirable condition, especially after a period of improvement.

“The doctor warned him that a relapse into heroin addiction was a serious risk after his release from rehab.”

2. verb

to return to a previous state of illness, addiction, or other undesirable condition, especially after a period of improvement.

“The patient began to relapse into depression after the death of a loved one.”

3. verb

to return to a previous state or condition, especially in a way that is unwelcome or unpleasant.

“The company’s fortunes began to relapse after a series of poor investment decisions.”