English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word collapse in English

What does collapse mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

collapse

US /kəˈlæps/
UK /kəˈlæps/
"collapse" picture

Verb

1.

to fall down or in; to give way

Example:
•
The old bridge finally collapsed under the heavy load.
•
The building was so old it was in danger of collapsing.
Synonym:
fall downgive waycave incrumbletopple
2.

to suddenly lose force, value, or effect

Example:
•
The company's shares collapsed after the scandal.
•
His hopes of winning the election collapsed when the results came in.
Synonym:
faildeterioratedeclineplummetcrash
3.

to fall unconscious or become very weak, typically as a result of illness or injury

Example:
•
She collapsed from exhaustion after running the marathon.
•
He collapsed on the floor, clutching his chest.
Synonym:
faintpass outswoondropsuccumb

Noun

1.

an instance of a structure or object falling down or in

Example:
•
The sudden collapse of the roof trapped several workers.
•
Engineers are investigating the cause of the bridge's collapse.
Synonym:
breakdownfallruindestruction
2.

a sudden failure of an institution, system, or undertaking

Example:
•
The economic collapse led to widespread unemployment.
•
The sudden collapse of the government surprised everyone.
Synonym:
breakdownfailureruindebaclefiasco
3.

a sudden loss of consciousness or energy

Example:
•
He suffered a sudden collapse and was rushed to the hospital.
•
The heat caused several runners to experience a collapse.
Synonym:
faintblackoutprostrationexhaustion
Learn This Word at Lingoland