\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.