lapse

• Nom désignant une erreur temporaire due à un manque d'attention, une interruption ou une pause dans un processus continu, ou une incapacité à maintenir un niveau ou un état antérieur.

A noun referring to a temporary mistake due to inattention, a break or intermission in a continuous process, or a failure to maintain a previous standard or condition.

1. Mistake from inattentionB2formal

   A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment.

   Lapsus / oubli momentané

   • It was just a momentary lapse of concentration.
   • He had a memory lapse and forgot her name.
   • A lapse in judgment led to the accident.

   Synonymesblundererrorgaffemisstepmistakeoversightslipslip-up

   Antonymesattentioncarefulnessvigilance

2. Break or intermissionB2formal

   A period of time between two events or occurrences.

   Intervalle, pause

   • After a lapse of several years, they met again.
   • There was a lapse of silence before he spoke.
   • The contract expired after a lapse of time.

   Synonymesbreakgaphiatusinterludeintermissionintervallullpauserecess

3. Failure to maintain a standardB2formal

   A decline or fall from a previous higher standard, state, or level.

   défaillance

   • The company suffered a lapse in quality control.
   • His moral lapse was widely criticized.
   • A lapse in security allowed the breach to happen.

   Synonymesdeclinedeteriorationdrop-offfallregressionrelapseretrogressionslumpweakening

   Antonymesadvanceascentimprovementrise

• Verbe désignant le fait de passer progressivement dans un état moins actif ou moins souhaitable, ou de perdre un droit, un privilège ou un accord en raison du temps ou du non-usage.

A verb used to indicate the act of gradually falling into a less active or less desirable state, or of a right, privilege, or agreement becoming invalid due to time or disuse.

1. Pass into a state or conditionB2formal

   To gradually pass into a particular, often less active or less desirable, state or condition.

   passer dans un état

   • After the excitement, the conversation lapsed into silence.
   • He lapsed into a deep sleep after the long journey.
   • The country lapsed into chaos after the government fell.

   Synonymesdriftfallregressrevertsinkslideslip

   Antonymescontinueendurepersistremainstay

2. End or become invalidB2formal

   To come to an end, especially after a period of time, or to become no longer valid or active.

   Expirer, devenir caduc

   • My gym membership lapsed last month.
   • The contract will lapse if not renewed by Friday.
   • His interest in the project lapsed after a few weeks.

   Synonymesendexpirerun outterminate

   Antonymescontinuepersistremain

3. Drop to a lower levelC1formal

   To fall back to a lower standard, especially in terms of morals, behavior, or quality.

   Retomber à un niveau inférieur

   • He lapsed from his usual high standards of conduct.
   • The company's service quality lapsed after the management change.
   • She never lapsed in her dedication to the cause.

   Synonymesbackslidedeclinedeterioratefallregresssink

   Antonymesadvanceascendimproveprogressrise

4. Return to bad behaviorB2formal

   To go back to a previous, undesirable habit or pattern of behavior.

   retomber dans une mauvaise habitude

   • After months of sobriety, he lapsed back into drinking.
   • She lapsed into her old habit of procrastination.
   • The patient lapsed into a state of depression.

   Synonymesbackslidefall backrecidivateregressrelapserevert

   Antonymesperseverereform

5. Let slip or fail to maintainC1formal

   To fail to maintain something, such as attention, a habit, or a right, often unintentionally.

   laisser échapper / manquer à

   • He lapsed in his attention during the lecture.
   • She lapsed from her strict diet for just one day.
   • The company lapsed in its safety protocols.

   Synonymesabandondiscontinuedropforgoneglectrelinquish

   Antonymescontinuekeepmaintainobservepreservesustainuphold

6. Pass by (of time)B2formal

   To pass or elapse, especially gradually or without being noticed.

   Passer (en parlant du temps)

   • Several minutes lapsed before anyone spoke.
   • A year lapsed between their last meeting and this one.
   • Time lapsed quickly as they worked on the project.

   Synonymeselapseflowgo bypassslip away