crumble
Translation
to crumble, to disintegrate, to fall apart
Examples
The old wall is starting to crumble.
The old wall is starting to crumble.
She crumbled the cheese over the salad.
She crumbled the cheese over the salad.
Their empire began to crumble.
Their empire began to crumble.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to break or fall apart into small fragments. The old building is starting to crumble.
((sth.)) to break (sth.) into small pieces. He crumbled the bread for the birds.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disintegrate, fall apart, break up, collapse
Etymology
Related to 'crumb'. From Middle English, likely from an Old English word related to 'cruma'.
Memory Tips
Think of a dry cookie that you can easily 'crumble' in your hand.