Definition of 'collapse'

Noun

1. an abrupt failure of function or health
2. a mishap caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in
3. the act of throwing yourself down; "he landed on the bed with a great flop"
      Synonyms: flop
4. a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures)
      Synonyms: crash

Verb

1. break down, literally or metaphorically; "The wall collapsed"; "The business collapsed"; "The dam broke"; "The roof collapsed"; "The wall gave in"; "The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice"
      Synonyms: fall in cave in give give way break founder
2. collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
      Synonyms: break down
3. fold or close up; "fold up your umbrella"; "collapse the music stand"
4. fall apart; "the building crumbled after the explosion"; "Negotiations broke down"
      Synonyms: crumble crumple tumble break down
5. cause to burst; "The ice broke the pipe"
      Synonyms: burst
6. suffer a nervous breakdown
      Synonyms: crack up crack crock up break up
7. lose significance, effectiveness, or value; "The school system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"

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