(~s, collapsing, ~d)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If a building or other structure ~s, it falls down very suddenly.
A section of the Bay Bridge had ~d...
Most of the deaths were caused by landslides and collapsing buildings.
VERB: V, V-ing
•
Collapse is also a noun.
Governor Deukmejian called for an inquiry into the freeway’s ~.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If something, for example a system or institution, ~s, it fails or comes to an end completely and suddenly.
His business empire ~d under a massive burden of debt...
The rural people have been impoverished by a collapsing economy.
VERB: V, V-ing
•
Collapse is also a noun.
The coup’s ~ has speeded up the drive to independence...
Their economy is teetering on the brink of ~.
N-UNCOUNT
3.
If you ~, you suddenly faint or fall down because you are very ill or weak.
He ~d following a vigorous exercise session at his home...
VERB: V
•
Collapse is also a noun.
A few days after his ~ he was sitting up in bed.
N-UNCOUNT
4.
If you ~ onto something, you sit or lie down suddenly because you are very tired.
She arrived home exhausted and barely capable of showering before collapsing on her bed.
VERB: V prep, also V