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lapse
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/læps/ 
| singular | lapse |
| plural | lapses |
- 1a short or temporary period when you fail or forget to do something in the right way
The man admitted driving over the speed limit and apologized for the lapse.
lapse of:She was angered by her momentary lapse of control.
lapse in:Today showed that I can have lapses in concentration.
memory lapse (=a temporary failure to remember something):Members of the committee were puzzled by the memory lapses of White House officials.
security lapse (=a temporary failure in arrangements for people’s safety):There have been security lapses despite efforts to protect the public.
This is the British English definition of lapse. View American English definition of lapse.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.
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