verb
-lapses; -lapsed; -lapsing
[no obj] :to break apart and fall down suddenly
[no obj]
to fall down or become unconscious because you are sick or exhausted
to completely relax the muscles of your body because you are very tired, upset, etc.
[no obj]
to fail or stop working suddenly :to break down completely
to lose almost all worth :to become much less valuable
[no obj] medical :to become flat and empty
to fold together [no obj]
noun
plural -lapses
a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a bridge, building, etc.) suddenly breaks apart and falls down [count]
usually singular
a situation or occurrence in which someone suddenly falls down or becomes unconscious because of being sick or exhausted [count]
usually singular
a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a system or organization) suddenly fails :a complete failure or breakdown [count]
usually singular
a situation or occurrence in which something loses almost all of its worth or value [noncount]
usually singular