What does "collapse" mean?
The act of collapsing.
Collapse
/kəˈlæps/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of collapsing.
- Grammar: collapse is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: amiable weakness, apoplexies, bank collapse, bankruptcy.
- Useful contrasts: ancient remains, balanced state, bodily balance.
- Usage evidence: If you don't take a vacation, you'll collapse.
How to use "collapse"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "collapse" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "collapse" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "collapse" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "collapse" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "collapse" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "amiable weakness" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "collapse", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of collapsing. countable, uncountable
"She suffered a terrible collapse after slipping on the wet floor."
- 2 the act of throwing yourself down; collapse; sink wordnet
- 3 Constant function, one-valued function (in automata theory) (in particular application causing a reset). countable, uncountable
- 4 a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in wordnet
- 5 Ellipsis of batting collapse. abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures) wordnet
- 7 an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion wordnet
Verb
- 1 To break apart and fall down suddenly; to cave in. intransitive
"A balloon collapses when the gas escapes from it."
- 2 collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack wordnet
- 3 To cease to function due to a sudden breakdown; to fail suddenly and completely. intransitive
"Pyramid schemes tend to generate profits for a while and then collapse."
- 4 lose significance, effectiveness, or value wordnet
- 5 To fold compactly. intransitive
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 suffer a nervous breakdown wordnet
- 7 In a hierarchical list (such as a directory tree or table of contents), to hide the subentries of (an entry). transitive
- 8 break down, literally or metaphorically wordnet
- 9 To suffer a batting collapse. intransitive
"Immediately after his wicket the team collapsed for 69."
- 10 cause to burst wordnet
- 11 To cause something to collapse. transitive
"Hurry up and collapse the tent so we can get moving."
- 12 fall apart wordnet
- 13 To pass out and fall to the floor or ground, as from exhaustion or other illness; to faint. intransitive
"The exhausted singer collapsed on stage and had to be taken to the hospital."
- 14 fold or close up wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
ancient remainsbalanced statebodily balancecivilizational flourishing
Example
"If you don't take a vacation, you'll collapse."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "collapse"?
Common synonyms include: amiable weakness, apoplexies, bank collapse, bankruptcy, bankrupted, bankrupting.
How do you use "collapse" in a sentence?
If you don't take a vacation, you'll collapse.
How do you pronounce "collapse"?
Pronounced /kəˈlæps/.
Etymology
From Latin collāpsus (past participle of collābor).