an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion; the commanders prostration demoralized his men
[ Syn: prostration ]
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; he landed on the bed with a great flop
[ Syn: flop ]
a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures)
[ Syn: crash ]
collapse (n.)
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: fall in , cave in , give , give way , break , founder ]
collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
[ Syn: break down ]
fold or close up; fold up your umbrella; collapse the music stand'
fall apart; the building crumbled after the explosion; Negotiations broke down
[ Syn: crumble , crumple , tumble , break down ]
cause to burst; The ice broke the pipe
[ Syn: burst ]
suffer a nervous breakdown
lose significance, effectiveness, or value; The school system is collapsing; The stock market collapsed'