Dictionary definition · collapse
noun
- an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion"the commander's prostration demoralized his men"
- a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in"the roof is in danger of collapse"
- the act of throwing yourself down; collapse; sink"he landed on the bed with a great flop"
- a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures)
verb
- break down, literally or metaphorically"The wall collapsed"
- collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
- fold or close up"fold up your umbrella"
- fall apart"the building crumbled after the explosion"
- cause to burst"The ice broke the pipe"
- suffer a nervous breakdown
- lose significance, effectiveness, or value"The school system is collapsing"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).