collapse

• Effondrement soudain ou destruction d'une structure, d'un système ou d'une organisation, ou perte de fonctionnement due à une défaillance.

A noun referring to a sudden failure, breakdown, or falling down of a structure, system, or organization.

1. Sudden failureB2formal

   A sudden and complete failure of a system, organization, or structure.

   Effondrement soudain

   • The collapse of the bridge was caused by poor construction.
   • The company faced financial collapse after the scandal.
   • The collapse of the government led to widespread protests.

   Synonymesbreakdowncrashdestructiondisintegrationdownfallfailurefounderingruin

   Antonymesflourishingrecoverystabilitysuccessthriving

2. Medical collapseB2formalmedical

   A sudden loss of physical strength or consciousness due to illness or exhaustion.

   Collapsus

   • He suffered a collapse from heat exhaustion during the marathon.
   • The patient's collapse was caused by a severe drop in blood pressure.
   • She was rushed to the hospital after her sudden collapse.

   Synonymesblackoutfaintloss of consciousnesssyncope

3. B1formal

   The act of falling down or inward suddenly.

   effondrement

   • The collapse of the roof trapped several workers inside.
   • Witnesses described the collapse of the building as terrifying.
   • The tent's collapse was caused by heavy snow.

   Synonymesbreakdowncave incrashdisintegrationdownfallfallgive wayruinsubsidencewreck

• Verbe signifiant s'effondrer ou se briser soudainement, ou encore échouer complètement et cesser d'exister.

A verb meaning to fall down or give way suddenly, or to fail completely and come to an end.

1. Fall down suddenlyB1formal

   To fall down or give way suddenly because of pressure or weakness.

   s'effondrer

   • The old bridge collapsed during the storm.
   • The building collapsed after the earthquake.
   • The tent collapsed under the weight of the snow.

   Synonymesbucklecave incrumblefall downgive waysubsidetoppletumble

   Antonymesremainrisestand

2. Fail completelyB2formal

   To fail or stop functioning completely, often suddenly.

   s'effondrer, échouer complètement

   • The company collapsed due to financial problems.
   • Negotiations between the two parties collapsed.
   • The economy nearly collapsed during the crisis.

   Synonymesbreak downcrumblefailfall apartflounderfoldgo under

   Antonymesflourishprospersucceedthrive

3. Lose consciousnessB2formal

   To fall down or become unconscious because of illness or exhaustion.

   perdre connaissance

   • He collapsed from exhaustion after the marathon.
   • She collapsed in the heat and had to be taken to hospital.
   • The runner collapsed just before the finish line.

   Synonymesblack outfaintkeel overpass outswoon

4. Fold into a smaller shapeB1formal

   To fold something into a smaller or more compact shape.

   plier en plus compact

   • This table collapses for easy storage.
   • The stroller collapses quickly with one hand.
   • He collapsed the umbrella and put it in his bag.

   Synonymescompactfoldfold uptelescope

   Antonymesexpandextendunfold