What does "collapse" mean?

1. (to fall down) to fall down suddenly because of a lack of strength or support. 2. (to fail or break down) to stop working or fail completely and suddenly. 3. (to faint) to fall down because you are very sick, tired, or hurt. 4. (to hide data) to hide a list of items on a computer screen to save space. 5. (to fold) to fold something so that it becomes small and easy to carry. 6. (a sudden failure) a sudden event where something falls down or fails completely.

How do you use "collapse"?

Often used with 'under' to describe the cause of the failure. Intransitive; does not take a direct object. Transitive; takes the name of the list or folder as an object. Often followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase.

collapse

v. · n.

US //kəˈɫæps// UK //kəlˈæps// col·lapse

1 to fall down (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to fall down suddenly because of a lack of strength or support.

to fall down or cave in suddenly due to structural failure or lack of support.

Example

The old wooden bridge collapsed after the heavy rain flooded the river.

Example

The abandoned warehouse finally collapsed under the weight of the winter snow, leaving nothing but a pile of twisted metal and broken bricks.

Usage

Often used with 'under' to describe the cause of the failure.
- cave in
- crumble
- fall
- stand
- rise
2 to fail or break down (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to stop working or fail completely and suddenly.

to cease to function or lose all value due to a sudden breakdown or failure.

Example

The peace talks collapsed when neither side could agree on the new borders.

Example

Economists warned that the national currency might collapse if the government failed to address the rising inflation rates.

Teacher's tip

Commonly used in business and political contexts to describe systems or negotiations.
- fail
- break down
- disintegrate
- succeed
- flourish

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3 to faint (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

to fall down because you are very sick, tired, or hurt.

to fall down suddenly as a result of a physical health crisis, exhaustion, or loss of consciousness.

Example

The runner collapsed just as she crossed the finish line of the marathon.

Example

He collapsed from heat exhaustion after working in the fields for ten hours without a break.

Usage

Intransitive; does not take a direct object.
- faint
- pass out
- keel over
4 to hide data (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

to hide a list of items on a computer screen to save space.

to hide the subentries of a hierarchical list or directory tree in a user interface.

Example

You can collapse the folder to see more files on your screen.

Example

The developer added a button to collapse all nested comments, making the long thread much easier for users to navigate.

Usage

Transitive; takes the name of the list or folder as an object.
- hide
- minimize
- expand
5 to fold (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to fold something so that it becomes small and easy to carry.

to fold into a more compact shape for storage or transport.

Example

This camping chair is great because it collapses and fits into a small bag.

Example

The stroller features a lightweight frame that collapses with one hand, making it ideal for parents using public transport.
- fold
- contract
- unfold
- expand
6 a sudden failure (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a sudden event where something falls down or fails completely.

a sudden failure of an institution, system, or physical structure.

Example

The collapse of the stock market caused many people to lose their savings.

Example

The sudden collapse of the building led to a massive investigation into the quality of the construction materials used.

Usage

Often followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase.
- recovery
- creation

Origin

From Latin collāpsus (past participle of collābor).