collapse

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in

   the roof is in danger of collapse

2. 2
   verb

   to lose significance, effectiveness, or value

   The stock collapsed.

3. 3
   verb

   to break down, literally or metaphorically

   The wall collapsed.

4. 4
   verb

   to fold or close up

   I collapsed after a long day at work.

5. 5
   verb

   To break apart and fall down suddenly; to cave in.

   A balloon collapses when the gas escapes from it.

6. 6
   verb

   To cease to function due to a sudden breakdown; to fail suddenly and completely.

   Pyramid schemes tend to generate profits for a while and then collapse.

7. 7
   verb

   To suffer a batting collapse.

   Immediately after his wicket the team collapsed for 69.

8. 8
   verb

   To cause something to collapse.

   Hurry up and collapse the tent so we can get moving.

Etymology

From Latin collāpsus (past participle of collābor).