collapse in WordNet English dictionary

1. break down, literally or metaphorically
   "The wall collapsed"; "The business collapsed"; "The dam broke"; "The roof collapsed"; "The wall gave in"; "The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice"
   collapse  fall in  cave in  give  give way  break  founder 
   
2. collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
   break down  collapse 
   
3. fall apart
   "the building crumbled after the explosion"; "Negotiations broke down"
   crumble  crumple  tumble  break down  collapse 
   
4. suffer a nervous breakdown
   crack up  crack  crock up  break up  collapse 
   
5. cause to burst
   "The ice broke the pipe"
   collapse  burst 
   
6. lose significance, effectiveness, or value
   "The school system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"
   collapse 
   
7. fold or close up
   "fold up your umbrella"; "collapse the music stand"
   collapse 
   

1. the act of throwing yourself down
   "he landed on the bed with a great flop"
   flop  collapse 
   
2. a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in
   "the roof is in danger of collapse"; "the collapse of the old star under its own gravity"
   collapse 
   
3. a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures)
   crash  collapse 
   
4. an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
   "the commander's prostration demoralized his men"
   collapse  prostration