rechute

relapse

noun ruh-SHÜT Rare

Usage Note

Rechute is commonly used in medical contexts to describe a return of illness after apparent recovery, but it also appears figuratively (e.g., a relapse into bad habits). The verb is rechuter ('to relapse'). It contrasts with récidive, which leans more toward criminal reoffending or cancer recurrence.

Examples

"Elle a fait une rechute après l'arrêt du traitement."

Natural Translation

She had a relapse after stopping treatment.

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