Definition Definition

collapse - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'collapse' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Collapse [ n.]
- A falling together suddenly, as of the sides of a hollow vessel.
- A sudden and complete failure; an utter failure of any kind; a breakdown.
- Extreme depression or sudden failing of all the vital powers, as the result of disease, injury, or nervous disturbance.
2 . Collapse [ v. i.]
- To fall together suddenly, as the sides of a hollow vessel; to close by falling or shrinking together; to have the sides or parts of (a thing) fall in together, or be crushed in together; as, a flue in the boiler of a steam engine sometimes collapses.
- To fail suddenly and completely, like something hollow when subject to too much pressure; to undergo a collapse; as, Maximilian's government collapsed soon after the French army left Mexico; many financial projects collapse after attaining some success and importance.

Meaning of 'collapse' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . collapse [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the act of throwing yourself down
Example in sentence:
  • he landed on the bed with a great flop
Meaning (2):
- a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in
Example in sentence:
  • the collapse of the old star under its own gravity;
  • the roof is in danger of collapse
Meaning (3):
- an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
Example in sentence:
  • the commander's prostration demoralized his men
4 . collapse [ v]
Meaning (4):
- fold or close up
Example in sentence:
  • collapse the music stand;
  • fold up your umbrella
Meaning (5):
- fall apart
Example in sentence:
  • Negotiations broke down;
  • the building crumbled after the explosion
Meaning (6):
- break down, literally or metaphorically
Example in sentence:
  • The business collapsed;
  • The dam broke;
  • The roof collapsed;
  • The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice;
  • The wall collapsed;
  • The wall gave in
Meaning (7):
- cause to burst
Example in sentence:
  • The ice broke the pipe
Meaning (8):
- lose significance, effectiveness, or value
Example in sentence:
  • The school system is collapsing;
  • The stock market collapsed