Collapse - Definition

n 1: an abrupt failure of function or complete physical
exhaustion; "the commander's prostration demoralized his
men" [syn: collapse, prostration]
2: a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or
caving in; "the roof is in danger of collapse"; "the collapse
of the old star under its own gravity"
3: the act of throwing yourself down; "he landed on the bed with
a great flop" [syn: flop, collapse]
4: a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks
(especially one that causes additional failures) [syn:
crash, collapse]
v 1: break down, literally or metaphorically; "The wall
collapsed"; "The business collapsed"; "The dam broke"; "The
roof collapsed"; "The wall gave in"; "The roof finally gave
under the weight of the ice" [syn: collapse, fall in,
cave in, give, give way, break, founder]
2: collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack [syn:
break down, collapse]
3: fold or close up; "fold up your umbrella"; "collapse the
music stand"
4: fall apart; "the building crumbled after the explosion";
"Negotiations broke down" [syn: crumble, crumple,
tumble, break down, collapse]
5: cause to burst; "The ice broke the pipe" [syn: collapse,
burst]
6: suffer a nervous breakdown [syn: crack up, crack, crock
up, break up, collapse]
7: lose significance, effectiveness, or value; "The school
system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"