implosion
n.the process of something collapsing or breaking down from the inside. It can describe a building falling in on itself or a system failing because of its own problems.
n.the process of collapsing or breaking down from within, as opposed to an explosion which involves an outward burst. Often used metaphorically to describe the internal failure of an organization or system.
“The old factory was destroyed by a controlled implosion.”
“The company's sudden implosion was caused by a series of internal scandals that the board failed to address.”
“While the physical implosion of the structure was a marvel of engineering, the subsequent economic implosion of the local market left many residents struggling to find new employment.”
“As Schiebinger explains, “ the same forces feeding the explosion of knowledge we associate with the Scientific Revolution and global expansion led to an implosion of knowledge of herbal abortifacients.”
“So, too, is the implosion of Ashby’s group of friends who have a decades-long custom of holidaying together in the south of France.”
From in- + explosion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.