collapse
♦♦ col|lapse /kəl'æps/ (collapses collapsing collapsed)
1 [VERB] V, V-ing
If a building or other structure collapses, it falls down very suddenly.
A section of the Bay Bridge had collapsed...
Most of the deaths were caused by landslides and collapsing buildings.
[N-UNCOUNT]
Collapse is also a noun.
Governor Deukmejian called for an inquiry into the freeway's collapse.
2 [VERB] V, V-ing
If something, for example a system or institution, collapses, it fails or comes to an end completely and suddenly.
His business empire collapsed under a massive burden of debt...
The rural people have been impoverished by a collapsing economy.
[N-UNCOUNT]
Collapse is also a noun.
The coup's collapse has speeded up the drive to independence...
Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.
3 [VERB] V
If you collapse, you suddenly faint or fall down because you are very ill or weak.
He collapsed following a vigorous exercise session at his home...
[N-UNCOUNT]
Collapse is also a noun.
A few days after his collapse he was sitting up in bed.
4 [VERB] V prep, also V
If you collapse onto something, you sit or lie down suddenly because you are very tired.
She arrived home exhausted and barely capable of showering before collapsing on her bed.
1 [VERB] V, V-ing
If a building or other structure collapses, it falls down very suddenly.
A section of the Bay Bridge had collapsed...
Most of the deaths were caused by landslides and collapsing buildings.
[N-UNCOUNT]
Collapse is also a noun.
Governor Deukmejian called for an inquiry into the freeway's collapse.
2 [VERB] V, V-ing
If something, for example a system or institution, collapses, it fails or comes to an end completely and suddenly.
His business empire collapsed under a massive burden of debt...
The rural people have been impoverished by a collapsing economy.
[N-UNCOUNT]
Collapse is also a noun.
The coup's collapse has speeded up the drive to independence...
Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.
3 [VERB] V
If you collapse, you suddenly faint or fall down because you are very ill or weak.
He collapsed following a vigorous exercise session at his home...
[N-UNCOUNT]
Collapse is also a noun.
A few days after his collapse he was sitting up in bed.
4 [VERB] V prep, also V
If you collapse onto something, you sit or lie down suddenly because you are very tired.
She arrived home exhausted and barely capable of showering before collapsing on her bed.