To physically break apart and fall down
“The foundations are weak, and the building will likely collapse at any second.”
To fail suddenly and completely
“Peace talks between the two states would ultimately collapse.”
To undergo a loss of consciousness
“He would collapse in the middle of his speech due to the lack of oxygen in the room.”
To fail or be unsuccessful
“Our case will collapse unless we can find some corroborating evidence.”
To reduce in volume or size by constricting
“The novel attempts to collapse each individual event into one long odyssey.”
To be overcome with emotion
“She would collapse in tears after hearing the terrible news.”
Plural for an instance of a structure falling down or giving way
“Strong winds would lead to the collapse of the bridge.”
Plural for a sudden failure of an institution or undertaking
“The defect or collapse of law is the collapse of government.”
Plural for a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness
“Mercifully, it drowned out the final, horrible collapse of his body as it yielded to pressures it was never designed to endure.”
Plural for loss of consciousness
“His collapse was sudden and, to doctors, mysterious and life-threatening.”
Plural for a physical or mental breakdown
“The manager's collapse was attributed to stress and an unreasonable workload.”
Related Words and Phrases
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