collapse
verb (used without object)
to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
had collapsed
-
past perfectof collapse.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
He told the BBC the roof of an upper-floor classroom had collapsed, causing ceilings below to cave in as well.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
Louis Chinal, 76, a retired New York City firefighter from Staten Island, recounted taking the Staten Island ferry to lower Manhattan after the South Tower had collapsed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
As we prepared to enter it, we had no idea if the ceiling had collapsed, if the tomb had been looted or destroyed, or if it was still well preserved.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026
The home’s driveway had collapsed into a 30-by-30-foot sinkhole caused by coastal erosion, according to KTLA.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Half of them had collapsed, pulled down by the weight of the grey moss that draped them and the thick black vines that snaked upward from the water.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
