What is the meaning of the verb 'elapse'?

The verb 'elapse' specifically refers to the passage of time, indicating that a certain duration has gone by or slipped by without any significant action or event associated with it. It is often used in contexts related to how much time has passed since a specific event or point in time.

This is evident in phrases such as "As the hours elapse, we grow more anxious." Here, the focus is on time moving forward and the feeling of waiting or observing its progression. The other options suggest meanings that do not align with the definition of 'elapse'—like remaining stationary or accumulating over time—which do not convey the notion of time passing. Therefore, option C clearly encapsulates the correct meaning of the verb.