col·lapse (kə-lăps')

v., -lapsed, -laps·ing, -laps·es.

v.intr.

1. To fall down or inward suddenly; cave in.
2. To break down suddenly in strength or health and thereby cease to function: a monarchy that collapsed.
3. To fold compactly: chairs that collapse for storage.

v.tr.
To cause to fold, break down, or fall down or inward.

n.

1. The act of falling down or inward, as from loss of supports.
2. An abrupt failure of function, strength, or health; a breakdown.
3. An abrupt loss of perceived value or of effect: the collapse of popular respect for the integrity of world leaders.

[Latin collābī, collāps-, to fall together : com-, com- + lābī, to fall.]

collapsibility col·laps'i·bil'i·ty n.
collapsable col·laps'a·ble or col·laps'i·ble adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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