Col*lapse" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Collapsed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Collapsing] [L. collapsus, p. p. of collabi to collapse; col- + labi to fall, slide. See Lapse.]
1.
To fall together suddenly, as the sides of a hollow vessel; to close by falling or shrinking together; to have the sides or parts of (a thing) fall in together, or be crushed in together; as, a flue in the boiler of a steam engine sometimes collapses.
A balloon collapses when the gas escapes from it.
Maunder.
2.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Col*lapse" (?), n.
1.
A falling together suddenly, as of the sides of a hollow vessel.
2.
A sudden and complete failure; an utter failure of any kind; a breakdown.
[Colloq.]
3. Med.
Extreme depression or sudden failing o all the vital powers, as the result of disease, injury, or nervous disturbance.
© Webster 1913.