re·lapse/rɪ`læps; rɪˈlæps/ n [C,U] 1 when someone becomes ill again after they were getting better 〔旧病的〕复发: have a relapse He had a relapse and was taken back into hospital. 他旧病复发,被送回医院。 2 when someone or something gets worse again after being better 故态复萌