Word of the Day.

collapse   

 

Function: verb

Inflected forms:
collapses; collapsed; collapsing

Meanings:
1 [no object] : to break apart and fall down suddenly
Examples:
<The bridge/building collapsed.>
<The roof collapsed under a heavy load of snow.>

2 a [no object] : to fall down or become unconscious because you are sick or exhausted
Example:
<He collapsed on stage during the performance and had to be rushed to the hospital.>

2 b [no object] : to completely relax the muscles of your body because you are very tired, upset, etc.
Example:
<She came home from work and collapsed on the sofa.>

3 a [no object] : to fail or stop working suddenly : to break down completely
Examples:
<The civilization collapsed for reasons that are still unknown.>
<He warned that such measures could cause the economy to collapse.>

3b [no object] : to lose almost all worth : to become much less valuable
Examples:
<The country's currency collapsed.>
<Oil prices had collapsed.>

4 [no object]medical : to become flat and empty
Examples:
<a blood vessel that collapsed>
<a collapsed lung>

5 : to fold together
Examples:
[no object] <The stroller collapses easily.>
[with object] <You can collapse the stroller easily and store it in the trunk of your car.>

Derived form:
collapsible adjective Example:
<a collapsible chair/table/stroller>