collapse

Everyday

1. To fall down or fall in suddenly, like a building, bridge or tent. tree →
2. For a person, to fall down because of illness or tiredness. tree →
3. To fold up into a smaller shape: "a collapsing chair". tree →
4. To fail suddenly: "The plan collapsed." tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, never play in old buildings, sand holes or snow tunnels that can collapse. In first aid, if someone collapses, call an adult and emergency services. In science, structures collapse if they cannot hold their load. Phrases: collapse in a heap, a bridge collapse, collapsible chair, collapse with laughter.

Examples

• The sandcastle collapsed when the wave hit it. tree →
• The old barn collapsed in the storm. tree →
• The runner collapsed at the finish line. tree →
• Call 911, 999, 000 or 111 if someone collapses. tree →
• Our tent collapsed in the wind. tree →
• We collapsed with laughter at the joke. tree →
• This umbrella collapses to fit in my bag. tree →
• The result was just what might have been expected: the whole Body soon began to fail, and the Members and all shared in the general collapse. tree →

Note

Regular verb: collapsed, collapsing. Double l: c-o-l-l-a-p-s-e. "Collapsible" means made to fold up. Safety: never dig deep holes in sand or snow to sit in — they can collapse and trap you. Emergency numbers: 911 in the USA and Canada, 999 or 112 in the UK and Ireland, 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand.