anti-lapse
|an-ti-lapse|
/ˈæn.tiˌlæps/
preventing a lapse
Etymology
'anti-lapse' originates from the Greek prefix 'anti-' and the Latin root 'lapse', specifically the Latin word 'lapsus', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'lapsus' meant 'a slipping or falling'.
'lapse' changed from Latin 'labi' (to slip) and its past participle 'lapsus' into Medieval Latin/Old French forms and then into Middle English as 'lapse'; the compound 'anti-lapse' was formed in legal English by combining Greek 'anti-' with English 'lapse'.
Initially the elements meant 'against' + 'a slipping/falling', but over time the compound evolved to the specialized legal sense of 'preventing the failure (lapse) of a gift, legacy, or right'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a provision, clause, or rule (especially in wills or statutes) that prevents a gift, legacy, or interest from failing when the intended beneficiary dies before the donor.
The will contained an anti-lapse provision that preserved the bequest for the beneficiary's descendants.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
designed to prevent a lapse (failure) of rights, gifts, or interests; relating to an anti-lapse statute or clause.
An anti-lapse clause was inserted into the testamentary document to protect the gifts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/02 01:27