collapse
verb (used without object)
to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
collapsed
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past participleof collapse.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof collapse.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
collapseverb (used without object)to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After the call, she collapsed on the bed and buried her head in her pillows.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
The Jakarta Composite Index collapsed eight percent at the open, sparking a trading halt.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
The lie collapsed with almost embarrassing speed, and the people who spread it now face potential legal exposure.
From Salon ● Oct. 15, 2026
A school roof has collapsed in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
Dabbing at the sweat on her forehead with a lace hankie, she pushed into the room and collapsed dramatically into a rocking chair near the empty fireplace.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
