collapse
Translation
to fall down suddenly, to fail suddenly, to faint, to fold
Examples
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
He collapsed from exhaustion.
He collapsed from exhaustion.
The chair can collapse for easy storage.
The chair can collapse for easy storage.
Grammar Patterns
((subject)) to fall down or fail suddenly The building collapsed.
((sth.)) to fold up The chair collapses for storage.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fall down, crumble, fail; Antonyms: stand, strengthen
Etymology
From Latin 'col-' (together) + 'labi' (to slip), literally 'to slip together'.
Memory Tips
Picture columns that 'lapse' or fall, causing a building to collapse.