Meaning & Definition of word "Crumble"
to
Crumble
/ˈkrʌm.bəl/
noun:
- 1. a dessert typically made of fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter.
- Example: She baked an apple crumble for dessert, which was a family favorite.
verb:
- 1. to break or fall apart into small fragments, often as a result of being weak or old.
- Example: The ancient statue began to crumble after centuries of exposure to the elements.
- 2. to cause something to break into smaller pieces.
- Example: The pressure of the storm caused the cliff to crumble.
- 3. to weaken or fail gradually.
- Example: His confidence began to crumble after receiving harsh criticism.
Etymology
Middle English: from the verb 'croumben', of unknown origin.
Common Phrases and Expressions
crumble away:
To disintegrate slowly over time.
crumble under pressure:
To fail or collapse when faced with challenges.
Related Words
crumbling:
The process of breaking into fragments or falling apart.
crumb:
A small piece of anything, especially bread.
Slang Meanings of crumble
Meaning: To fall apart emotionally or mentally.
Example Sentence: After the breakup, he really started to crumble.
Meaning: To fail badly in a situation.
Example Sentence: When it came time to present, she crumbled and forgot her lines.