Dictonary and Thesaurus

Definition of Lapse

(n.) A gliding, slipping, or gradual falling; an unobserved or imperceptible progress or passing away,; -- restricted usually to immaterial things, or to figurative uses.
(n.) A slip; an error; a fault; a failing in duty; a slight deviation from truth or rectitude.
(n.) 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.
(n.) A fall or apostasy.
(v. i.) To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away; to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; -- mostly restricted to figurative uses.
(v. i.) 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.
(v. i.) 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.
(v. i.) To become ineffectual or void; to fall.
(v. t.) To let slip; to permit to devolve on another; to allow to pass.
(v. t.) To surprise in a fault or error; hence, to surprise or catch, as an offender.