collapses

IPA/kəˈlæps/
KK[kəlˈæpsɪz]IPA/kəˈlæps/

collapses — verb

  • collapsespresent simple I / you / we / they
  • collapseses3rd person singular
  • collapsesing-ing form
  • collapsesedpast simple

1. if a building or other structure collapses, it falls down all at once because it

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

if a building or other structure collapses, it falls down all at once because it is too weak to stay up or because something pushes hard on it

Example

The old wooden bridge collapses whenever a heavy truck tries to cross it.

subject is a structure: [building/bridge] collapses

During the earthquake in Dewi's town, three roofs collapsed within seconds.

collapse caused by external force

Common collocations
  • collapse suddenly
  • completely collapse
Synonyms
  • cave in

    stresses falling inward, like a roof or tunnel

  • give way

    stresses the moment support fails, just before falling

Antonyms
  • hold up

    stay standing under pressure

Grammar Patterns

something collapses

Usage Note

Subject is usually a physical structure (building, wall, roof, bridge). Distinguish from sense 2, where the subject is a living person who falls because of weakness.

Common Mistakes

The workers collapsed the old wall on purpose.
The workers knocked down the old wall on purpose.
in this sense collapse is intransitive; you don't collapse a thing, the thing collapses by itself.

2. if a person collapses, they suddenly fall to the ground because they are ill, ve

2.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

if a person collapses, they suddenly fall to the ground because they are ill, very tired, or have no energy left

Example

The marathon runner collapses near the finish line every time the heat is extreme.

person as subject: [someone] collapses

Élise felt dizzy in the crowded hall and collapsed onto the cold floor.

collapse + onto [surface]

Common collocations
  • collapse from exhaustion
  • suddenly collapse
Synonyms
  • faint

    specifically losing consciousness, often briefly

  • pass out

    informal; emphasises losing consciousness

Grammar Patterns

someone collapses

Usage Note

Subject must be a person or animal that drops because of physical weakness. Often followed by 'onto', 'into', or 'from' plus a cause. Distinguish from sense 1, where a structure falls.

Common Mistakes

She collapsed down to the floor.
She collapsed onto the floor.
'collapse' already means fall down, so 'down' is unnecessary; use 'onto' for the surface.

3. if a system, business, plan, or relationship collapses, it suddenly stops workin

3.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

if a system, business, plan, or relationship collapses, it suddenly stops working or comes to an end because it can no longer continue

Example

The small bakery collapses under heavy debt after the busy holiday season ends.

subject is a business/system: [company] collapses

Peace talks between the two countries collapsed when neither side would give ground.

abstract subject collapses + when [cause]

Common collocations
  • economy collapses
  • talks collapse
Synonyms
  • fail

    broad; a business or plan stops succeeding

  • fall apart

    informal; stresses gradual breakdown into pieces

Antonyms
  • thrive

    grow strongly and succeed

Grammar Patterns

something collapses

Usage Note

Subject is usually an abstract system: a business, economy, government, deal, or relationship. Distinguish from sense 1 (a physical structure) — here nothing physically falls; an arrangement stops functioning.

Common Mistakes

The company collapsed the project after losing money.
The company abandoned the project after losing money.
the business itself can collapse, but you cannot 'collapse' a project; choose a transitive verb like 'abandon' or 'cancel'.

4. if you collapse something such as a chair or table, you fold it into a smaller,

4.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

if you collapse something such as a chair or table, you fold it into a smaller, flatter shape so it is easier to carry or store; furniture that collapses can be folded in this way

Example

Ilan collapses the camping table and slides it neatly into the back of the car.

transitive: collapse + [object you fold]

This stroller collapses with one hand, so a busy parent can fold it quickly.

intransitive: [furniture] collapses (folds)

Common collocations
  • collapse flat
  • fold and collapse
Synonyms
  • fold

    general word for bending something flat

  • fold up

    phrasal; emphasises making something compact for storage

Antonyms
  • unfold

    open something out to its full size

Grammar Patterns

collapse something

something collapses

Usage Note

Used of objects designed to fold: chairs, tables, strollers, umbrellas. Can be transitive ('collapse the table') or intransitive ('the table collapses'). This is the only verb sense where collapsing is wanted, not a disaster.

collapses — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four describe a structure failing, but they differ in how and when. 'Collapse' is the strongest and most sudden: the whole thing drops at once, like a building in an earthquake. 'Cave in' stresses falling inward, used of roofs, tunnels, and mine shafts where the top or sides drop into the empty space below. 'Give way' names the exact moment that support fails, just before the fall — a rope, a shelf, or a floor 'gives way' under weight. 'Crumble' is slower and piece-by-piece, used of old walls or rock that break into small bits over time rather than falling in one event. So a cliff might crumble for years, then finally give way, and the road above it collapses.

collapse ↗cave in ↗give way ↗crumble ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • economic collapse
  • structural collapse
  • total collapse

Adverbs

  • suddenly collapse
  • completely collapse
  • almost collapse

Phrases

  • collapse under pressure
  • on the verge of collapse

Prepositions

  • collapse onto
  • collapse under
  • the collapse of

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Collapse comes from the Latin word 'collabi', made of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'labi' meaning 'to slip or fall'. So the original idea was of something slipping and falling in on itself. English borrowed it in the 1700s, first in medical writing about lungs and body strength failing, then later for buildings falling down and, more recently, for businesses and systems breaking apart.

First known use

1620

1620, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Noun