collapse
collapse Lexical Profile
collapse Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An instance of a structure falling down or giving way suddenly.
"The sudden collapse of the ancient stone bridge cut off access to the mountain village."
A sudden failure, breakdown, or ruin of an institution, system, or enterprise.
"Historians have long debated the primary causes behind the collapse of the Roman Empire."
A sudden loss of physical strength, health, or consciousness.
"The marathon runner suffered a complete physical collapse just yards from the finish line."
• verb
To fall down or give way suddenly due to a lack of support or internal strength (of a structure).
"The old barn roof finally collapsed under the weight of the heavy winter snow."
To fall down suddenly and become unconscious or unable to stand as a result of illness, injury, or exhaustion (of a person).
"After working two consecutive shifts in the heat, the technician collapsed from dehydration."
To fail suddenly and completely, or to lose value rapidly (of an institution, system, or negotiation).
"Peace talks between the two delegations collapsed after neither side agreed to a compromise."
To fold or be folded down into a compact shape for easy storage or transport.
"You can collapse the camping chairs and store them neatly in the trunk of the car."
• Rhymes for collapse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 18th century from Latin collapsus, the past participle of collabi ('to fall together or in ruins'), formed from com- ('together') and labi ('to slip or fall').