crumble

crum-ble · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To break or fall apart into small pieces.

  2. 2.

    (British) A baked dessert with a crumbly topping, typically over fruit.

  3. 3.

    To gradually disintegrate or collapse.

  4. 4.

    To break something into small pieces.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    crumble to dust — to completely disintegrate
  • •
    the cookie crumbles — how things turn out (as in "that's the way the cookie crumbles")
  • •
    crumble away — to gradually deteriorate

Related words

Antonyms: build, solidify, strengthen
See also: collapse, crumb, disintegrate
Synonyms: collapse, decay, deteriorate, disintegrate

Etymology

From Old English cruma meaning "crumb," with frequentative suffix -le indicating repeated action. Related to German Krume.