crumple up
The term "crumple up" describes both a physical action of folding or crushing something and an emotional reaction of collapsing under stress.
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Definition
B1General
(common)To fold or crush something into a smaller, wrinkled shape.
Example
- She crumpled up the piece of paper and threw it in the trash.
B2Figurative
(informal)To collapse or give up suddenly, often due to stress or pressure.
Example
- After hearing the bad news, he just crumpled up and started crying.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "crumple up":
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