cave in; subside; fall (to enemy)
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to cave in; to subside; to sink in (of ground surface)
Often used in geological contexts describing land subsidence or structural collapse.
Many basins were formed due to crustal subsidence.
Due to long-term mining, ground subsidence began to appear in this area.
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The ceiling suddenly caved in; fortunately, no one was injured.
verb
to fall into; to sink into; to become trapped in
Often used metaphorically for falling into a state, mood, or undesirable situation.
He sank into painful memories and could not extricate himself.
The entire squad became trapped in the enemy's encirclement.
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The city sank into chaos and fear.
verb
to fall (to the enemy); to be captured; to be occupied
formalMilitary terminology referring to territory being occupied by enemy forces.
In 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese army.
The fortress finally fell, and the entire garrison surrendered.
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The capital of that country has been occupied for many days.