crackup

[krak-uhp]

noun

1. a crash; collision.

2. a breakdown in health, especially a mental breakdown.

3. collapse or disintegration.

   the crackup of an alliance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crackup¹

First recorded in 1850–55; noun use of verb phrase crack up

Example Sentences

Much credit for this consensus crackup belongs to the world’s democratic voters, who have made clear over many years in many places that they won’t accept a degraded quality of life for promised climate benefits decades in the future.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Maxine can tell at a glance that Shannon is on the verge of another crackup.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There is no census, and migrants come and go, but the majority of people in La Soledad appear to be from Venezuela, the once-wealthy South American nation that has seen an exodus of more than 7 million amid an economic, social and political crackup.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In 2021, researchers noticed fissures on the floating ice at the ocean foot of the glacier, suggesting its crackup may already be underway.

Read more on Science Magazine

When the freshly murdered Banquo crashes the party, Macbeth’s crackup goes into overdrive, suggesting a psychotic break more than a bad conscience.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breakdown 
• destruction 
• smash-up