lapsing Definition

lapse
noun

1. A slight mistake or failure.

Thesaurus: fault, mistake, error, failing, negligence, oversight, indiscretion, slip, fall, gaffe, blunder.
2. A perceived decline in standards of behaviour, etc.

Example: His drunken lapses are getting more frequent
3. A passing of time.

Thesaurus: interruption, break, gap, hiatus, interval, interlude, pause, intermission.
4. law.
The loss of a right or privilege because of failure to renew a claim to it.

verb, intr lapsed, lapsing

1. To fail to behave in what is perceived as a proper or morally acceptable way.
2. To turn away from a faith or belief.
3. law.
Said of a right, privilege, etc: to become invalid because the claim to it has not been renewed.
4. Said of a membership of a club, society, etc: to become invalid, usually because the fees have not been paid or some other condition has not been met.

Etymology: 16c: from Latin lapsus a slip.

Phrasal Verb: lapse into something

To pass into or return to (a specified state).
Example: lapsed into his old drinking habits