Etymology Map
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Collapse

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to fall down suddenly

Where does the word "collapse" come from? It comes from Latin collapsus, adopted directly into English (1730s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
collapsus
Latin · ancient
"fallen together"
past participle of 'collabi', to fall together
2
Stage 2 of 2
collapse
English · 1730s
"to fall together"
first a medical term for a sudden failure of strength
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Read the full story

Collapse’s story begins in Latin: collapsus meant “fallen together.” Past participle of 'collabi', to fall together. It reached English by 1730s as collapse. First a medical term for a sudden failure of strength. Today, collapse means to fall down suddenly.