Meaning & Definition of word "Collapse"
to
Collapse
/kəˈlæps/
noun:
- 1. the act of collapsing; a sudden failure or breakdown
- Example: The collapse of the stock market caused widespread panic.
- 2. a situation in which something falls down or fails suddenly
- Example: The team's collapse in the final minutes of the game was unexpected.
verb:
- 1. to fall down or give way suddenly
- Example: The building began to collapse during the earthquake.
- 2. to break apart and fall down
- Example: After years of neglect, the old bridge finally collapsed.
- 3. to lose the ability to function or respond properly
- Example: The software system collapsed under heavy user demand.
Etymology
From Latin 'collapsus', past participle of 'collabi', meaning 'to fall together'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
collapsing under pressure:
to fail when faced with stress or difficulty.
collapse of trust:
a situation where trust is suddenly lost.
collapse in demand:
a significant drop in demand for a product or service.
Related Words
cave-in:
a sudden failure of a structural element.
breakdown:
a failure to function or work.
crash:
a sudden, catastrophic failure.
Slang Meanings of collapse
Meaning: to fall apart emotionally or mentally.
Example Sentence: After hearing the news, he just collapsed.
Meaning: to give in under pressure.
Example Sentence: She was so stressed about the exam that she totally collapsed.