definitions

fall apart

verb (intr, adverb)

to break owing to long use or poor constructionthe chassis is falling apart
to become disorganized and ineffectivesince you resigned, the office has fallen apart

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RELATED WORDS

collapse, crumble, break

Nearby words

falkner, william, fall, fall about, fall all over oneself, fall among, fall apart, fall asleep, fall away, fall back, fall back on, fall behind
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with fall apart

fall apart

Collapse, break down, either physically or mentally and emotionally. For example, This chair is about to fall apart, or After his wife died, he fell apart. For synonyms for the latter usage, see come apart at the seams; go to pieces.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.