collapse (
http://definr.com/collapse)
n 1: an abrupt failure of function or health
2: a mishap caused by something suddenly falling down or caving
in
3: the act of throwing yourself down; "he landed on the bed
with a great flop" [syn:
flop]
4: a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks
(especially one that causes additional failures) [syn:
crash]
v 1: 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]
2: collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
[syn:
break down]
3: fold or close up, as of an umbrella or a music stand
4: fall apart; also used metaphorically: "Negociations broke
down" [syn:
crumble,
crumple,
tumble,
break down]
5: cause to burst; "The ice broke the pipe" [syn:
burst]
6: suffer a nervous breakdown [syn:
crack up,
crack, {crock
up},
break up]
7: lose significance, effectiveness, or value; "The school
system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"