kəˈlæps n. & v. --n. 1
the tumbling down or falling in of a
structure; folding
up; giving
way. 2 a
sudden failure of a
plan,
undertaking, etc. 3 a
physical or
mental breakdown. --v. 1 a intr.
undergo or
experience a collapse. b tr.
cause to collapse. 2 intr. colloq. lie or
sit down
and relax,
esp.
after prolonged
effort (collapsed
into a chair). 3 a intr. (of
furniture etc.) be foldable into a
small space. b tr. fold (furniture) in
this way. øøcollapsible adj. collapsibility n. [L collapsus
past part. of collabi (as
COM-, labi slip)]