collapse
UK: kəˈlæps | US: kəˈlæps
n. a sudden failure or breakdown of structure or function
vi. to fall down or inward suddenly; to fail completely
vt. to cause something to collapse
The word "collapse" originates from Latin collapsus, the past participle of collabi ("col-" meaning "together" + "labi" meaning "to slip or fall"). The morpheme "col-" (variant of "com-") intensifies the action of "lapse," which derives from lapsus ("a slipping"). The term evolved in English (early 17th century) to describe physical falling (e.g., buildings) and later metaphorical failures (e.g., systems). The logic reflects a unified, sudden downfall—literally or figuratively.
The old bridge collapsed under the weight of the truck.
The company’s stock price collapsed after the scandal.
She collapsed from exhaustion after the marathon.
Negotiations collapsed when neither side compromised.
The government warned of economic collapse without reforms.