crumble
Translation
to break into small pieces, to disintegrate, to fall apart
Examples
The old castle walls are starting to crumble.
The old castle walls are starting to crumble.
She crumbled the cheese over the pasta.
She crumbled the cheese over the pasta.
Their support began to crumble after the scandal.
Their support began to crumble after the scandal.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to break apart The old castle walls are starting to crumble.
((sth.)) to break (sth.) into small pieces She crumbled the cheese over the pasta.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disintegrate, fall apart, break up
Etymology
From Old English 'crymel', a small piece or crumb. Related to the word 'crumb'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a dry cookie crumbling in your hand. The word itself sounds a bit like something breaking apart.