crumple
verb (used with object)
to press or crush into irregular folds or into a compact mass; bend out of shape; rumple; wrinkle.
crumples
-
present tense formof crumple (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
If people and institutions and businesses and government stand up to him, he crumples.
From Slate ● Jan. 23, 2026
Bynum keeps the camera on her as Jessie crumples her face in her hands.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2025
His forehead crumples as he does so and his big hands shake.
From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2023
The situation is akin to a car that crumples in a crash: the vehicle absorbs the impact to protect passengers, but it is totaled.
From Scientific American ● Feb. 22, 2023
“Are you kidding me? Thompson wishes he had a career like Laimbeer’s! Thompson has no grit. He crumples in a game like a paper napkin at a barbecue.”
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
