collapse
     n 1: an abrupt failure of function or health
     2: a mishap caused by something suddenly falling down or caving
        in
     3: the act of throwing yourself down; "he landed on the bed
        with a great flop" [syn: {flop}]
     4: a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks
        (especially one that causes additional failures) [syn: {crash}]
     v 1: break down, literally or metaphorically; "The wall
          collapsed"; "The business collapsed"; "The dam broke";
          "The roof collapsed"; "The wall gave in"; "The roof
          finally gave under the weight of the ice" [syn: {fall in},
           {cave in}, {give}, {give way}, {break}, {founder}]
     2: collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack
        [syn: {break down}]
     3: fold or close up; "fold up your umbrella"; "collapse the
        music stand"
     4: fall apart; "the building crimbled after the explosion";
        "Negociations broke down" [syn: {crumble}, {crumple}, {tumble},
         {break down}]
     5: cause to burst; "The ice broke the pipe" [syn: {burst}]
     6: suffer a nervous breakdown [syn: {crack up}, {crack}, {crock
        up}, {break up}]
     7: lose significance, effectiveness, or value; "The school
        system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"
Source: WordNet® 2.0