Collapsing

Collapsing is the process or result of a system losing stability or integrity and entering a more compact, dense, or incomplete state, often accompanied by a sudden change in structure or function.

In physics, gravitational collapse occurs when an object's internal pressure cannot support it against gravity, leading to contraction of matter. Stars with sufficient mass may collapse to neutron stars or black holes; such collapse can trigger supernovae and influence the chemical evolution of the universe.

In engineering and construction, collapses refer to the sudden failure of buildings, bridges, or other structures under load, stress, or environmental conditions. Causes include overload, material fatigue, corrosion, design flaws, and seismic events. Mitigation relies on safety factors, inspections, and redundancy.

In social and political contexts, collapse denotes the rapid or gradual breakdown of social order, institutions, or governance, often in response to economic crisis, war, environmental stress, or demographic change. The term is used to describe long-term trends as well as abrupt disruptions.

In medicine, collapse commonly describes sudden loss of consciousness or circulatory failure, such as syncope or cardiogenic collapse, due to abrupt drops in blood pressure or heart function. It is a clinical indicator rather than a diagnosis, requiring medical assessment to determine underlying causes.

In information technology and design, collapsing refers to hiding or showing content in user interfaces, as in collapsible menus or accordions, enabling compact presentation of large information sets. It is a usability technique rather than a physical phenomenon.