A collapse, falling apart, or sudden downfall of something, particularly a structure or system.
From French 'écroulement,' derived from 'écrouler' (to collapse), which comes from 'é-' (out) and 'rouler' (to roll). The root image is of something rolling out and falling apart. French uses this word for structural collapse or sudden ruin.
This French word captures something English lacks—that sense of theatrical, dramatic collapse where everything tumbles down like dominoes! While English says 'collapse' plainly, 'écroulement' sounds like you're watching it happen in slow motion. It's often used to describe the fall of empires or companies in French historical writing.
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