collapse

Meanings

• an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
• 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"
• the act of throwing yourself down
• a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures)
• break down, literally or metaphorically
  • "The wall collapsed"
  • "The business collapsed"
  • "The roof collapsed"
• collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
• fold or close up
  • "collapse the music stand"
• fall apart
• cause to burst
• suffer a nervous breakdown
• lose significance, effectiveness, or value
  • "The stock market collapsed"

Synonyms

break, break down, break up, burst, cave in, crack, crack up, crash, crock up, crumble, crumple, fall in, flop, founder, give, give way, prostration, tumble