/kəˈlæps ||; kəˈlæps/verb1 [I] to fall down or break into pieces suddenly 倒塌;塌陷: A lot of buildings collapsed in the earthquake. 很多建筑物在地震中震塌了。
2 [I] (used about a person) to fall down, usually because you are very ill, and perhaps become unconscious (指人)倒下,昏倒: The winner collapsed at the end of the race. 得胜选手冲过终点时昏倒了。
3 [I] (used about a business, plan, etc) to fail suddenly or completely (指企业、计划等)垮台,崩溃: The company collapsed, leaving hundreds of people out of work. 公司垮了台,使得好几百名员工失业。
4 [I,T] to fold sth or be folded into a shape that uses less space 折迭起来