collapse meaning and definition

COLLAPSE noun

Definition of collapse (noun)

1. an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
   • "the commander's prostration demoralized his men"
   • synonyms: prostration
2. a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in
   • "the roof is in danger of collapse"; "the collapse of the old star under its own gravity"
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

COLLAPSE verb

Definition of collapse (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: break, cave in, fall in, founder, give, give way
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: break down, crumble, crumple, tumble
5. cause to burst
   • "The ice broke the pipe"
   • synonyms: burst
6. suffer a nervous breakdown
   • synonyms: break up, crack, crack up, crock up
7. lose significance, effectiveness, or value
   • "The school system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"