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effondrer

collapse, cave in

verb eh-fohn-DREH Less Common
Body & Health Movement

Origin: French effondrer, from fonds (bottom)

Usage Note

Effondrer is most commonly used in the reflexive form s'effondrer, meaning to collapse physically (le toit s'est effondré — 'the roof collapsed') or emotionally (il s'est effondré en larmes — 'he broke down in tears'). The noun effondrement means collapse or breakdown. The non-reflexive form is rare.

Examples

"Le vieux mur s'est effondré sous la pluie."

Natural Translation

The old wall collapsed in the rain.

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