transcription, транскрипция: [ kəlæps ]
( collapses, collapsing, collapsed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If a building or other structure collapses , it falls down very suddenly.
A section of the Bay Bridge had collapsed...
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 collapse.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If something, for example a system or institution, collapses , it fails or comes to an end completely and suddenly.
His business empire collapsed 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 collapse has speeded up the drive to independence...
Their economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.
N-UNCOUNT
3.
If you collapse , you suddenly faint or fall down because you are very ill or weak.
He collapsed following a vigorous exercise session at his home...
VERB : V
•
Collapse is also a noun.
A few days after his collapse he was sitting up in bed.
N-UNCOUNT
4.
If you collapse 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