What does "collapse" mean?

Collapse: To fail suddenly and completely, like something hollow when subject to too much pressure; to undergo a collapse; as, Maximilian's government collapsed soon after the French army left Mexico; many financial projects collapse after attaining some success and importance.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A falling together suddenly, as of the sides of a hollow vessel.
  2. 3.A sudden and complete failure; an utter failure of any kind; a breakdown. [Colloq.]
  3. 4.(Med.) Extreme depression or sudden failing o

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