Crash: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used for high-impact scenarios, especially with vehicles or planes. It implies a violent or destructive event.

• The plane crash was covered extensively by the media.
• There was a huge crash on the highway this morning.

Specific term for an instance where two or more objects hit each other. Often used in the context of physics or detailed reports.

• The two cars were involved in a head-on collision.
• The collision between the ships caused a lot of damage.

General term for an unexpected event that results in damage or injury. Suitable for both minor and severe incidents.

• She broke her arm in a car accident.
• There was an accident in the factory last night.

Usually implies a severe accident resulting in a lot of destruction or damage. Can be used negatively in informal contexts to describe something ruined.

• The train wreck caused all services to be delayed.
• His car was a total wreck after the accident.

Use 'crash' when talking about a sudden, violent fall or accident, especially with vehicles or financial markets.

• The stock market crashed and investors lost billions.
• There was a terrible car crash on the highway.

Use 'collapse' when something falls down or fails abruptly, particularly buildings or plans. It can also describe someone becoming too weak to continue.

• The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
• The company's expansion plans collapsed due to lack of funding.
• He collapsed from exhaustion after running the marathon.

Use 'plunge' when something falls or is thrown downward with great force, often into water, or when prices drop suddenly.

• She took a deep breath and plunged into the pool.
• The temperature plunged overnight, bringing snow to the region.
• The stock prices plunged after the announcement of the scandal.

Use 'slump' when referring to a sharp decline or deterioration, especially in economic conditions, prices, or posture. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The economy went into a slump during the recession.
• He slumped in his chair, defeated and exhausted.
• Housing prices have slumped in recent months.

Often used when a computer program or electronic device stops working abruptly. Also refers to vehicles running into something forcefully.

• The computer crashed when I tried to open too many applications
• The car crashed into the tree

Used to describe a situation where someone or something does not succeed in achieving a goal, often has a negative connotation.

• The experiment failed to produce the desired results
• She felt like a failure after not passing the exam

Commonly used for machines or vehicles when they stop functioning properly. Also used for people emotionally losing control.

• My car broke down on the way to work
• She broke down in tears after hearing the news

Used when a structure falls apart or breaks down suddenly, or when a person physically or mentally fails.

• The building collapsed after the earthquake
• He collapsed from exhaustion after running the marathon