crumple

Everyday

1. To crumple paper or cloth is to squeeze it so that it becomes full of creases. tree →
2. To crumple is to fall down suddenly in a heap, or for a face to crease up before crying. tree →
3. To crumple can mean to collapse or be crushed, like a car in a crash. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, you crumple paper before recycling or crumple a tissue. In science and design lessons, «crumple zones» in cars squash to protect people in a crash. In stories, a crumpling face shows a character is about to cry. Phrases: «crumple up», «crumpled shirt», «crumple to the ground», «crumple zone».

Examples

• He crumpled up the letter and threw it away. tree →
• My shirt was crumpled after the long trip. tree →
• Her face crumpled and she started to cry. tree →
• The paper ball was crumpled and soft. tree →
• The runner crumpled to the ground at the finish line. tree →
• The front of a car is built to crumple in a crash. tree →
• Don't crumple your homework into your bag. tree →
• Then a storm came on, and the wonderful paper crane got damp, crumpled up, and fell into the sea. tree →

Note

Adjective «crumpled» = full of creases. Similar: «crush», «crease», «scrunch». Opposite: «smooth out», «flatten». Not a number word.