'collapse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'collapsus,' where 'col-' meant 'together' and 'lapsus' meant 'to slip or fall.'

'collapsus' transformed into the French word 'collaps,' and eventually became the modern English word 'collapse' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to fall together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to fall down or give way suddenly.'