collapse
verb (used without object)
to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
collapsing
-
present participleof collapse.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Rather than collapsing into an infinite singularity, it reaches a very high but finite density and then reverses direction, expanding outward.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
Tattoo artist Andres Hernandez said he was worried about his family and friends, adding that he would stay awake because structures around him were "on the verge of collapsing."
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
These are the conditions that historically have made for collapsing popular faith in the system and demands for something radical to replace it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said it wanted to "block more offenders from getting out sooner into their sentence", but that could not happen without "risking prisons reaching capacity and collapsing".
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026
But it had also bowed, curving and collapsing a little like a kitchen sponge when you squeeze it between your thumb and fingers.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
