US /kɵˈlæps/ UK /kəˈlæps/
noun verb Freq #5355

Meanings

  1. 1
    verb

    To fall down suddenly because of a loss of support or strength.

    The old wall collapsed during the storm.

  2. 2
    verb

    To fail suddenly and completely.

    Pyramid schemes make money for a while and then collapse.

  3. 3
    verb

    To fall down, usually because you are very ill, tired, or weak.

    He collapsed after a long day at work.

  4. 4
    verb

    To fold something up so it takes less space.

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

  5. 5
    noun

    The sudden falling down or failure of something.

    The roof is in danger of collapse.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 verb · to fall down suddenly... cave in
2 verb · to fail suddenly and... slump
Word family
Forms collapsedcollapsescollapsing
Derived forms collapsablecollapsarcollapsiblecollapsincollapsismcollapsitariancollapsiumcollapsogramcollapsologynoncollapsednoncollapsingpaleocollapse

Etymology

From Latin collāpsus (past participle of collābor).

View etymology graph ->

Topics

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