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Crumple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crumple

[ˈkrʌmpəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

paper

To crush something into folds or wrinkles, typically paper.

Synonyms

crease, crush, wrinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crumple

Same as the first 'crumple', indicating a possible duplicate entry.

  • Already covered.
crush

'Crush' is used when something is pressed or squeezed with force, often destroying its original shape. It typically conveys a more violent action.

  • He crushed the can with his bare hands.
  • The grapes were crushed to make wine.
wrinkle

'Wrinkle' is often used to describe small folds or lines, particularly on skin, fabric, or paper. It suggests a more minor or natural occurrence.

  • The old man had wrinkles around his eyes.
  • The shirt was wrinkled after being stuffed in the drawer.
crease

'Crease' is best used to describe lines or folds on fabric, paper, or other materials that occur from folding or pressure. It is generally less severe compared to 'crumple'.

  • She carefully ironed out the creases from her shirt.
  • There was a crease in the middle of the page.

Examples of usage

  • He crumpled the piece of paper and threw it in the trash.
  • She crumpled up the letter in frustration.
  • The receipt crumpled in his pocket.
Context #2 | Noun

movement

A sudden collapse or failure.

Synonyms

collapse, downfall, failure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crumple

Use when something is being compressed or crushed into a fold or wrinkle, often in a physical sense.

  • She dropped the paper and watched it crumple to the floor.
  • After sitting on the hat, it started to crumple.
collapse

Use when something suddenly falls down or gives way, often used for structures, systems, or physical states.

  • The bridge was old and eventually it started to collapse.
  • After running the marathon, he felt like he might collapse from exhaustion.
failure

Use to describe the lack of success or the inability to meet an expectation or standard, can be used in many contexts including personal, professional, and mechanical.

  • The new product was a complete failure and didn't sell at all.
  • After multiple failures, she finally learned how to play the piano.
downfall

Use to describe a situation where someone or something experiences a significant decline or is brought to ruin, often used in a metaphorical or dramatic sense.

  • The scandal was the downfall of his political career.
  • Their downfall was caused by poor management decisions.

Examples of usage

  • The team's hopes suffered a crumple after losing the championship.
  • The stock market experienced a crumple due to the economic crisis.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Artists like Meret Oppenheim have used crumpled materials in sculpture to convey chaos and disarray.
  • Crumpling paper is a technique in art that can create texture and depth in drawings and collages.
  • Many origami enthusiasts start with crumpled paper before mastering the art of folding to create more intricate designs.

Science

  • In physics, crumpling is a study of how materials respond to pressure and can be applied to understanding erosion and geological formations.
  • Certain materials, like metals, have specific properties that allow them to crumple without breaking, which is important in engineering and design.
  • Research shows that crumpled paper has unique properties that can allow it to hold shape and be used in innovative packaging solutions.

Psychology

  • Crumpling can symbolize stress and anxiety; for example, many people crumple paper when focused or under pressure.
  • In therapy, crumpling drawings can be used to express emotions that are difficult to articulate verbally.
  • The act of crumpling something can serve as a physical manifestation of relief when releasing pent-up feelings.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, crumpling paper is often used in humorous scenes, showcasing a character's frustration or emotional release.
  • Music videos sometimes use crumpled visuals to convey messiness, chaos, and raw emotion, adding to the storytelling aspect.
  • Popular video games often feature characters who interact with their environment by crumpling items, driving home game dynamics and humor.

Origin of 'crumple'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'crumplen,' which means to curl or to fold.
  • This term has roots in the Old English word 'crympan,' meaning to bend or to twist, highlighting its physical action.
  • In literature, it has been used since the 15th century to describe both physical and metaphorical transformations.

The word 'crumple' originated from Middle English 'crumplen', which is related to Old English 'crympan' meaning 'to curl'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the 14th century. The verb 'crumple' has been used to describe the action of crushing or wrinkling something, while the noun form often indicates a sudden collapse or failure.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,667 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.