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.
The driveway of the beachfront house collapsed on Tuesday morning, according to local authorities.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
Loved ones eventually heard from Vela Gonzalez’s roommate, who said he collapsed in his cell right after a court hearing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Later, he went into business with a partner, and their venture collapsed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
A fragile ceasefire between the two sides collapsed in July after attacks on commercial ships in the waterway.
From Barron's ● Sep. 6, 2026
Communist governments collapsed all over Eastern Europe, and in 1991, the once mighty Soviet Union broke apart, leaving behind Russia and fourteen newly independent states.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
