intransitive verb collapsed -·lapsed′, collapsing -·laps′·ing

1. to fall down or fall to pieces, as when supports or sides fail to hold; cave in; shrink together suddenly
2. to break down suddenly; fail; give way the enemy's defense collapsed
3. 1. to break down or fail suddenly in health or physical strength
   2. to fall down, as from a blow or exhaustion
   3. to fall or drop drastically, as in value or force
4. to fold or come together compactly

Etymology: < L collapsus, pp. of collabi < com-, together + labi, to fall: see lap

transitive verb

noun