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
As he talks, his face crumples into a sob.
From BBC ● May 8, 2025
A piercing scream erupts in the crowd; a woman’s face crumples and flutters, like a paper mask about to disintegrate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 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
The guy crumples something up and tosses it at the trash can beside me.
From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi
