Collapsed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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collapsed
[kษหlรฆpst ]
Definitions
in a state of being forcefully compressed into a small space
Collapsed means to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down or come to an end suddenly and completely. It can also refer to a building or structure that has fallen into disrepair or ruin.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collapsed |
This term is often used when a structure or system partially or completely falls down due to pressure, fatigue, or decay. It can also refer to a person fainting or falling unconscious.
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Examples of usage
- The collapsed house was a result of the earthquake.
- The roof collapsed under the weight of the snow.
to fold or compress something in on itself
Collapsed as a verb means to give way under physical force; to fold or compress something in on itself. It can also refer to a business or organization failing financially or ceasing to function.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collapsed |
This term is often used to describe something that has completely fallen down or broken apart, such as a building or structure, or someone who has suddenly fallen due to weakness or illness.
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| fold |
This is used to describe the action of bending something, like paper or fabric, so that one part of it lies flat on top of another part. It can also describe a business that stops operating. For businesses, it often has a negative connotation.
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| fail |
This term is used when something does not succeed or does not work as intended, often used with projects, machines, or exams. This word often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He collapsed the tent and packed it away.
- The company collapsed due to mismanagement.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, a structure may collapse under too much weight, illustrating principles of force and gravity.
- In medicine, a person might experience a 'collapsed lung,' which is serious and happens when air leaks into the chest and prevents proper breathing.
- In ecology, a 'collapsed ecosystem' refers to a system that can no longer support its natural functions due to environmental changes.
Psychology
- The term can describe a mental or emotional breakdown, where a person feels overwhelmed and unable to cope.
- In therapy, recognizing feelings of 'collapse' can lead to discussions about stress management and coping strategies.
- The collapse of mental health may result from prolonged stress or trauma, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness.
Architecture
- Famous building collapses, like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940, taught engineers important lessons about design and aerodynamics.
- In construction, safety standards aim to prevent collapse, ensuring buildings are strong enough to withstand various stresses.
- Historical structures have collapsed over time due to lack of maintenance, showing how neglect can lead to failure.
Pop Culture
- In movies, dramatic building collapses often symbolize destruction and despair, creating suspense for the audience.
- Songs sometimes use the metaphor of collapsing to describe falling out of love or losing hope.
- The phrase 'everything came crashing down' in literature often uses collapse to symbolize major life changes or loss.
Origin of 'collapsed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'collapsus,' which means 'to fall together.'
- It first appeared in English around the 16th century, capturing the idea of things falling down.
- The prefix 'col-' suggests togetherness, indicating something that comes down all at once.
The word 'collapsed' originated from the Latin word 'collapsus', which is the past participle of 'collabi' meaning 'to fall together'. The term has been used in English since the 16th century, evolving to encompass both physical and metaphorical collapses.
See also: collapsible.