First Known Use: 1732
Dictionary
1collapse
verb col·lapse \kə-ˈlaps\
: to break apart and fall down suddenly
: to fall down or become unconscious because you are sick or exhausted
: to completely relax the muscles of your body because you are very tired, upset, etc.
col·lapsedcol·laps·ing
Full Definition of COLLAPSE
intransitive verb
1
: to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely : fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure <a blood vessel that collapsed>
2
: to break down completely : disintegrate <his case had collapsed in a mass of legal wreckage — Erle Stanley Gardner>
3
: to cave or fall in or give way <the bridge collapsed>
4
: to suddenly lose force, significance, effectiveness, or worth <fears that the currency may collapse>
5
: to break down in vital energy, stamina, or self-control through exhaustion or disease; especially : to fall helpless or unconscious
6
: to fold down into a more compact shape <a chair that collapses>
transitive verb
1
: to cause to collapse <buildings collapsed by an earthquake>
2
: condense <collapse several stories into one>
— col·laps·ibil·i·ty \-ˌlap-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— col·laps·ible \-ˈlap-sə-bəl\ adjective
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Origin of COLLAPSE
Latin collapsus, past participle of collabi, from com- + labi to fall, slide — more at sleep
Related to COLLAPSE
2collapse
noun
: a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a bridge, building, etc.) suddenly breaks apart and falls down
: a situation or occurrence in which someone suddenly falls down or becomes unconscious because of being sick or exhausted
: a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a system or organization) suddenly fails : a complete failure or breakdown
Full Definition of COLLAPSE
1
a : a breakdown in vital energy, strength, or stamina b : a state of extreme prostration and physical depression (as from circulatory failure or great loss of body fluids) c : an airless state of all or part of a lung originating spontaneously or induced surgically
2
: the act or action of collapsing <the cutting of many tent ropes, the collapse of the canvas — Rudyard Kipling>
4
: a sudden loss of force, value, or effect <the collapse of respect for ancient law and custom — L. S. B. Leakey>
See collapse defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of COLLAPSE
1801
Related to COLLAPSE
- Synonyms
- burnout, fatigue, exhaustion, frazzle, lassitude, prostration, tiredness, weariness
- Antonyms
- refreshment, rejuvenation, rejuvenescence, revitalization
COLLAPSED Defined for Kids
1collapse
verb col·lapse \kə-ˈlaps\
col·lapsedcol·laps·ing
Definition of COLLAPSE for Kids
1
: to break down completely : fall in <He escaped from the mine before it collapsed.>
2
: to completely relax <I collapsed onto the sofa.>
3
: to suffer a physical or mental breakdown <She collapsed from exhaustion.>
4
: to fail or stop working suddenly <The ancient civilization collapsed.>
5
: to fold together <The umbrella collapses to a small size.>
2collapse
noun
Definition of COLLAPSE for Kids
: the act or an instance of breaking down <The building is in danger of collapse.>
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