- 1[countable, usually singular, uncountable] a sudden failure of something, such as an institution, a business, or a course of action the collapse of law and order in the area The peace talks were on the verge of collapse. of building
- 2[uncountable] the action of a building suddenly falling The walls were strengthened to protect them from collapse.
- 3[uncountable, countable, usually singular] a medical condition when a person suddenly becomes very sick, or when someone falls because they are sick or weak a state of mental/nervous collapse She was taken to hospital after her collapse at work. of prices/currencies
- 4[countable, usually singular] a sudden fall in value the collapse of share prices/the dollar/the market
failure
Check pronunciation: collapse