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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | lapsus, from labi 'to slip' |
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lapse1
[countable]
[countable]1 a short period of time during which you fail to do something well or properly, often caused by not being careful A defensive lapse by Keown allowed Tottenham to score.
momentary/temporary/occasional etc lapse Despite the occasional lapse, this was a fine performance by the young saxophonist.
Despite the occasional lapse, this was a fine performance by the young saxophonist.A defensive lapse by Keown allowed Tottenham to score. lapse of a lapse of judgement After taking the drug, several patients suffered memory lapses (=when you cannot remember something for a short time).
a lapse of judgementAfter taking the drug, several patients suffered memory lapses (=when you cannot remember something for a short time).2 a failure to do something you should do, especially to behave correctly : He forgot to offer Darren a drink, but Marie did not appear to notice the lapse.
He forgot to offer Darren a drink, but Marie did not appear to notice the lapse.3 [usually singular] a period of time between two events :
lapse of a lapse of about ten seconds
a lapse of about ten seconds