C1nounhealth
US/ˈriː.læps/
UK/ˈriː.læps/
a time when someone becomes ill again, or returns to bad habits, after getting better
In context
After six months without cigarettes, he had a relapse during a stressful week.
Doctors want to keep her in hospital to reduce the risk of relapse.
She suffered a relapse just weeks after finishing her treatment.
Words that go with relapse
noun + preposition
- risk of relapseGetting enough sleep lowers the risk of relapse.
- relapse intoHis relapse into old habits worried the whole family.
verb + noun
- suffer a relapsePatients who stop treatment early often suffer a relapse.
- have a relapseIf you have a relapse, don't give up on quitting.
- prevent relapseRegular therapy can help prevent relapse.
noun + noun
- relapse preventionThe clinic runs a relapse prevention programme for former drug users.
- relapse rateThe relapse rate for this illness is quite low.