n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: lapsed ; laps · ing
Date: 1611
intransitive verb
1 a : to fall from an attained and usually high level (as of morals or manners) to one much lower also : to depart from an accepted pattern or standard b : SINK , SLIP < lapsed into unconsciousness>
2 : to go out of existence : CEASE <after a few polite exchanges, the conversation lapsed >
3 : to pass from one proprietor to another or from an original owner by omission or negligence <allowed the insurance policy to lapse >
4 : to glide along : PASS <time lapse s >
transitive verb : to let slip : FORFEIT <all of those who have lapsed their membership ― AAUP Bull. >
– laps · er noun