Main Entry: ¹col·lapse

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈlaps\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): col·lapsed; col·laps·ing

intransitive verb

1 : to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely : fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure <a blood vessel that collapsed>
2 : to break down in vital energy, stamina, or self-control through exhaustion or disease ; especially : to fall helpless or unconscious

transitive verb

: to cause to collapse <collapsing an infected lung>

—col·laps·ibil·i·ty \-ˌlap-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun

—col·laps·ible \-ˈlap-sə-bəl\ adjective