Crumpled

/ˈkrʌmpəld/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to crush or wrinkle something by pressing or squeezing it.
He crumpled the letter in frustration after reading it.
to collapse or fold up into a wrinkled mass.
The old car seemed to crumple under the weight of time.
adjective
wrinkled or crushed; not smooth or straight.
She picked up the crumpled piece of paper from the floor.
having an irregular or bumpy surface.
The crumpled fabric added texture to the dress.

Etymology

Middle English, from crumple, of unknown origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

crumpled up
to crush into a compact or folded shape.
crumpled thoughts
ideas that are disorganized or confused.

Related Words

crumple
to press or squeeze into folds or wrinkles.
wrinkle
a small line or fold in something.
rumple
to make something less smooth or flat.

Slang Meanings

to mess something up or ruin it.
He crumpled that project beyond repair.
to be in a disheveled state.
After the all-nighter, I looked crumpled.