Verb
in those coin-operated binoculars at scenic areas your viewing time seems to elapse almost before it has begun
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Verb
The judge said the charges in Switzerland will have elapsed under the statute of limitations.—ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026 In 2017, both Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuits were thrown out because too much time had elapsed for Jackson’s estate to be held criminally liable.—Amelia McDonell-Parry, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
But the argument of the play doesn’t so much build as elapse.—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2026 Forty-four seconds elapse between the ball going out of play off Kadioglu and Cristhian Mosquera taking the goal kick.—Stuart James, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elapse
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep