B2verbsocietyhealth
US/kəˈlæps/
UK/kəˈlæps/
to fall down suddenly, or to fail completely and suddenly
In context
Several old houses collapsed after days of heavy rain.
One runner collapsed in the heat and was taken to hospital.
The company could collapse if it loses its biggest customer.
Words that go with collapse
adverb + verb
- suddenly collapseThe bridge suddenly collapsed while cars were on it.
- nearly collapseThe economy nearly collapsed during the crisis.
verb + adverb
- collapse completelyThe peace talks collapsed completely after the second day.
verb + preposition
- collapse underThe roof collapsed under the weight of the snow.
- collapse fromHe collapsed from exhaustion after working all night.
- collapse intoShe collapsed into a chair, too tired to speak.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The old bridge was collapsed in the storm.Correct: The old bridge collapsed in the storm.