Reading Theme:
Collapse: Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：fall down suddenly (collapse)
collapse
/kəˈlæps/
v./n.
To fall down or inward suddenly; to break into pieces because of pressure or weakness.
fall down suddenly
➕
/fɔːl daʊn ˈsʌdənli/
v./n.
To describe a physical structure, like a building, bridge, or wall, falling down or breaking apart completely and often noisily.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'collapsus' (past participle of 'collabi'), from 'com-' (together) + 'labi' (to fall, slide).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'Co-' (together) + 'lapse' (a slip or error). A structure suffers a collective 'lapse' in integrity and falls together.
📖 Example
After the strong earthquake, several old buildings collapsed into piles of rubble.
After the strong earthquake, several old buildings fell down suddenly into piles of rubble.
🔗 Collocations
collapse under pressure – to fail because of external force or stress
total collapse – a complete and utter falling down
risk of collapse – the danger of something falling down
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
stand (v.) – to be in an upright position on one's feet or base
remain upright (phr.v.) – to continue standing without falling
🌱 Derivatives
collapsible (adj.) – able to be folded into a compact shape
collapsing (adj./n.) – in the process of falling down
📖 Cultural Story
The Latin source 'collabi' literally meant 'to fall or slide together'. Historically, 'collapse' first described physical structures giving way. Over time, it broadened to include systems (e.g., economies, governments) and individuals succumbing to pressure, reflecting its core idea of a sudden, inward fall from a unified state to a broken one.
Meaning 2：fail completely (collapse)
collapse
/kəˈlæps/
v./n.
To fail completely and suddenly; to break down.
fail completely
➕
/feɪl kəmˈpliːtli/
v./n.
To describe a system, plan, or organization experiencing a sudden and total failure, often ceasing to function.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The company's website collapsed due to a huge number of visitors during the sale, and no one could place an order.
The company's website failed completely due to a huge number of visitors during the sale, and no one could place an order.
🔗 Collocations
economic collapse – the sudden and severe failure of a country's economy
system collapse – the complete failure of a computer network or operational framework
negotiations collapsed – talks failed and were abandoned
🔄 Synonyms
fail (v.) – to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal
break down (phr.v.) – to stop working or functioning correctly
fold (v.) – (informal) of a business or organization, to close or fail
Meaning 3：fall unconscious (collapse)
collapse
/kəˈlæps/
v./n.
To fall down and become unconscious because of illness, tiredness, etc.
fall unconscious
➕
/fɔːl ʌnˈkɒnʃəs/
v./n.
To describe a person falling down and becoming unconscious, typically due to extreme physical weakness, illness, or shock.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She worked for 36 hours without sleep and finally collapsed from exhaustion at her desk.
She worked for 36 hours without sleep and finally fell unconscious from exhaustion at her desk.
🔗 Collocations
collapse from exhaustion – to fall down unconscious due to extreme tiredness
collapse in a heap – to fall down limply and lie in an untidy position
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
revive (v.) – to regain consciousness or strength
remain conscious (phr.v.) – to stay awake and aware
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