collapse
Describing a state of having fallen down, caved in, or suddenly failed in structure or function. It is used to characterize physical objects, economic systems, or biological states that have undergone a total breakdown.
Examples
3 of 5The collapsed bridge made the mountain road completely impassable.
The collapsed bridge made the mountain road completely impassable.
The survey focused on the collapsed sectors of the post-war economy.
The survey focused on the collapsed sectors of the post-war economy.
He looked totally collapsed on the sofa after his twelve-hour shift.
He looked totally collapsed on the sofa after his twelve-hour shift.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'COLumn' that 'LAPSes' (fails) and falls down into a heap.
Quick Quiz
The rescue team searched the ___ building for survivors for over forty-eight hours.
Correct!
The correct answer is: collapsed
Examples
The collapsed bridge made the mountain road completely impassable.
everydayThe collapsed bridge made the mountain road completely impassable.
The survey focused on the collapsed sectors of the post-war economy.
formalThe survey focused on the collapsed sectors of the post-war economy.
He looked totally collapsed on the sofa after his twelve-hour shift.
informalHe looked totally collapsed on the sofa after his twelve-hour shift.
The study analyzes the collapsed architectural remains of the Mayan civilization.
academicThe study analyzes the collapsed architectural remains of the Mayan civilization.
The legal team reviewed the documents from the collapsed real estate venture.
businessThe legal team reviewed the documents from the collapsed real estate venture.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on the verge of collapse
on the verge of collapse
suffer a collapse
suffer a collapse
imminent collapse
imminent collapse
Often Confused With
A collision involves two things hitting each other, whereas a collapse is one thing falling inward or down.
Usage Notes
While 'collapse' is primarily a noun or verb, it is used adjectivally (most commonly in its participle form 'collapsed') to describe something that has already failed or fallen. It implies a suddenness that words like 'decayed' do not.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'collapse' to mean a simple decrease in value; however, it should be reserved for a sudden, dramatic, and total loss.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'COLumn' that 'LAPSes' (fails) and falls down into a heap.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'collabi', where 'com-' (together) and 'labi' (to slip/fall) combine to mean 'to fall together'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term is frequently used in global news to describe sudden stock market crashes or the physical destruction of buildings during natural disasters.
Quick Quiz
The rescue team searched the ___ building for survivors for over forty-eight hours.
Correct!
The correct answer is: collapsed
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