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
In the early ninth century C.E., when many nearby cities were collapsing, writing on monuments shows a new regime took over in Ucanal.
From Science Magazine ● Mar. 30, 2023
Montag still sat, as if the house were collapsing about him and he could not move, in the bed.
From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
