A lapse is a moment or instance of bad behaviour by someone who usually behaves well.

A lapse of something such as concentration or judgment is a temporary lack of that thing, which can often cause you to make a mistake.

If you lapse into a quiet or inactive state, you stop talking or being active.

If someone lapses into a particular way of speaking, or behaving, they start speaking or behaving in that way, usually for a short period.

A lapse of time is a period that is long enough for a situation to change or for people to have a different opinion about it.

If a period of time lapses, it passes.

If a situation or legal contract lapses, it is allowed to end rather than being continued, renewed, or extended.

If a member of a particular religion lapses, they stop believing in it or stop following its rules and practices.