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.
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 of all the vital powers, as the result of disease,
injury, or nervous disturbance.
