collapse

Collapse is the rapid loss of structure, integrity, or organization of a system, resulting in a transition from a functioning state to a degraded or nonfunctional state. The term is used across disciplines to describe sudden failures, whether physical, biological, social, or cosmic.

Structural collapse refers to buildings, bridges, or other constructions failing under stress, due to overload, material fatigue, design defects, or external events such as earthquakes. Signs include deformations, gapping, and progressive failure leading to sudden collapse.

Medical or physiological collapse describes abrupt failure of the circulatory system, leading to loss of consciousness or shock. It can follow severe bleeding, dehydration, heart problems, or critical illness, and requires urgent medical evaluation.

Economic and social collapse denotes a rapid breakdown of a society’s financial, political, and institutional systems, often accompanied by widespread disorder, shortages, and instability. Causes include systemic debt, crashes in markets, or political upheaval; effects can be humanitarian and long-lasting.

Geotechnical collapse involves ground subsidence, sinkholes, or landslides when soil or rock loses strength. Triggers include erosion, water in mines, or rapid loading changes; mitigation includes land-use planning and slope stabilization.

Astrophysical gravitational collapse occurs when a massive object collapses under its own gravity, potentially producing compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes, and often releasing energy in a supernova.

Prevention and mitigation are context-dependent, but common themes include adherence to safety standards, routine inspections, redundancy, early warning indicators of instability, and responsive planning.