Definition of collapse noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

collapse

noun

/kəˈlæps/

failure

[countable, usually singular, uncountable] a sudden failure of something, such as an institution, a business or a course of action

the collapse of the Soviet Union
The peace talks were on the verge of collapse.
a decision which will push the country a step closer to economic collapse
the collapse of law and order in the area
They thought their strategy would cause the collapse of the regime.
The articles they published led to the collapse of the trial.
The present system is on the brink of collapse.

Extra Examples

The war has led to the collapse of agriculture in the area.
a collapse into anarchy
He charted the villagers' collapse into poverty.
The administration moved to prevent the collapse of the privatized national airline.
Their downfall came with the financial collapse of the Canary Wharf project.
They were successful in bringing about the collapse of the Communist regime.

Topics Difficulty and failureb2

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

complete
total
general
…

verb + collapse

bring about
cause
contribute to
…

preposition

collapse into

See full entry

Definitions on the go

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of building/structure

[uncountable] the action of a building or structure suddenly falling

The walls were strengthened to protect them from collapse.
the sudden collapse of the bridge

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

sudden

phrases

be in danger of collapse

See full entry

illness

[uncountable, countable, usually singular] a medical condition when a person suddenly becomes very ill, or when somebody falls because they are ill or weak