cave-in

[ keyv-in ]

noun

1. a collapse, as of anything hollow:

   the worst cave-in in the history of mining.

2. a place or site of such a collapse.
3. submission to something or someone previously opposed or resisted:

   His cave-in to such unreasonable demands shocked us.

cave in

verb

1. to collapse; subside
2. informal.
   to yield completely, esp under pressure

noun

1. the sudden collapse of a roof, piece of ground, etc, into a hollow beneath it; subsidence
2. the site of such a collapse, as at a mine or tunnel
3. informal.
   an instance of yielding completely, esp under pressure

Word History and Origins

Origin of cave-in¹

First recorded in 1700–10; noun use of verb phrase cave in

Example Sentences

The cave-in happened around 3:30 a.m.

From Seattle Times

It was the second cave-in at the Myslowice-Wesola mine this year, following one on April 17 that killed one miner.

From Seattle Times

Authorities have not said what caused the cave-in but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods.

From Reuters

Authorities have not said what caused the initial cave-in that trapped the men as they were nearing the end of their night shift but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes, and floods.

From Reuters

They have not said what caused the cave-in, but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods.

From Reuters

Related Words

• capsize
• decline
• descend
• dig
• dip
• disappear
• drill
• drive
• drop
• drown
• fall
• go down
• lower
• overturn
• plummet
• plunge
• ram
• sag
• settle
• slump