crumple
verb (used with object)
to press or crush into irregular folds or into a compact mass; bend out of shape; rumple; wrinkle.
crumpling
-
present participleof crumple.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Videos posted to social media and verified by AFP on Monday showed the catastrophic collapse of a shopping centre in General Santos, and an unoccupied school building crumpling.
From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026
"But when we reached the clinic, we saw that it was closed. I didn't know it had shut down," he said, his face crumpling with agony.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2025
But first, she sobs, crumpling into Samuel’s arms while he holds her close.
From Salon ● Dec. 30, 2024
“I want people to know that we’re just normal people,” Ms. Broadbent, her face crumpling as she fought through tears, told Mr. Johnson.
From New York Times ● Feb. 21, 2024
“Knock it off,” I managed, before crumpling over on top of her.
From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth
