collapse
verb (used without object)
to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
were collapsing
-
past progressiveof collapse.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Some reservists said their families and careers were collapsing, while others said they no longer knew why they were fighting in Gaza.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2025
In Sean’s case, he felt his fingers and toes curling inward, as if he were collapsing into himself.
From Salon ● Feb. 8, 2025
"The mall was flooded, ceilings were collapsing," she said.
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2024
Some of the country’s most storied investment houses were collapsing in 2008 under the weight of risky mortgage-based securities, starting with Bear Stearns and later Lehman Brothers.
From New York Times ● Mar. 14, 2023
Near me, men were collapsing into the dirty snow.
From "Night" by Elie Wiesel
