collapses
|col-lapse|
/kəˈlæps/
(collapse)
sudden fall
Etymology
'collapse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'collapsus', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'labi' meant 'to fall'.
'collapse' changed from the Latin past participle 'collapsus' (from 'collabi') into Late Latin/Italian forms (e.g. Italian 'collassare') and then entered English as 'collapse' in the 17th century.
Initially, it meant 'to fall together', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to fall down, cave in, or fail suddenly'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'collapse'. Instances of falling in, failing, or breaking down.
There have been several collapses of older bridges in the region over the past decade.
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Verb 1
third-person singular of 'collapse'. To fall down or cave in suddenly; to give way physically.
The old roof collapses under the heavy snowfall every winter.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 05:54