a small mistake, especially one that is caused by forgetting something or by being careless

a period of time between two things that happen

After a lapse of six months we met up again.

He wrote to us after a considerable lapse of time.

an example or period of bad behaviour from somebody who normally behaves well

It was an odd lapse for one who is normally so polite.

to no longer be legally recognized because the period of time that it lasts has come to an end

to gradually become weaker or come to an end

His concentration lapsed after a few minutes.

This custom had lapsed over the years.

to stop believing in or practising your religion

He lapsed from Judaism when he was a student.

LEARNit Dictionary