v. i. | 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; |
2. | To fail suddenly and completely, like something hollow when subject to too much pressure; to undergo a collapse; | |
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. | |
3. | (Med.) Extreme depression or sudden failing of all the vital powers, as the result of disease, injury, or nervous disturbance. |