meltdown

US /ˈmelt.daʊn/
UK /ˈmelt.daʊn/
"meltdown" picture
1.

a disaster or collapse, especially in an economic, financial, or emotional context

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The stock market experienced a complete meltdown last week.
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She had an emotional meltdown after the breakup.
:
collapsebreakdownfailuredisasterdebacle
2.

a severe accident in a nuclear reactor in which the fuel rods melt and release radiation

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The Chernobyl disaster was caused by a nuclear meltdown.
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Safety protocols are crucial to prevent a reactor meltdown.