collapse
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for collapse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To fall down or cave in suddenly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To fall down or cave in suddenly.
“Several old houses collapsed when the ground shifted beneath them.”
2. verb
To fold something into a smaller, more compact shape.
“This table collapses into a neat shape that fits behind the door.”
Opposites
How to use collapse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
collapse under pressure
economic collapse
collapse into a chair
Etymology
From Latin collapsus, the past participle of collabor, meaning "to fall together".
Full origin of collapse →Frequently asked questions
What does “collapse” mean?
The word “collapse” means to fall down or cave in suddenly. In plain terms, falling down suddenly, whether it's a building, a plan, a business, or a person.
How do you pronounce “collapse”?
“Collapse” is pronounced kuh-LAPS (/kəˈlæps/ in IPA).
How do you use “collapse” in a sentence?
Here is “collapse” used in a sentence: “The old bridge collapsed under the weight of the truck.”
What part of speech is “collapse”?
“Collapse” is a verb.
Where does the word “collapse” come from?
The word “collapse” comes from Latin. From Latin collapsus, the past participle of collabor, meaning "to fall together".
Is “collapse” a common word?
“Collapse” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “collapse” have?
“Collapse” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to fall down or cave in suddenly.
What is the difference between collapse and fall?
To collapse is to fall down or cave in suddenly, often because a structure or system gives way, while to fall is the more general act of dropping or coming down. Collapse suggests a sudden, complete failure of support, as when a building or a person collapses. A fall can be gentle or partial, but a collapse implies a breakdown.
What is the difference between collapse and crumble?
Collapse means to fall down or cave in suddenly, usually all at once, while crumble means to break gradually into small pieces. A wall can collapse in one moment or crumble slowly over time. Collapse stresses sudden failure, whereas crumble stresses gradual disintegration.
Can collapse be used to describe a person?
Yes, a person can collapse, meaning they fall down suddenly, often from exhaustion, illness, or fainting. This uses the literal sense of falling down suddenly. It usually signals a medical or physical crisis rather than a slow decline.
