1. To cause to fall or collapse.
2. To collapse due to fatigue, an illness, or a sudden attack; SYN. collapse.
3. To fail to operate correctly; to break.
4. To lose control of one's emotions; SYN. lose it.
5. To make ineffective; SYN. crush.
6. When something decomposes or reduces to its smallest parts or is reduced by someone to its smallest parts, it breaks down.
1. To break down, literally or metaphorically; SYN. fall in, cave in, give, give way, break, founder.
2. To cause to burst; SYN. burst.
3. To fold or close up, as of an umbrella or a music stand.
4. To lose significance, effectiveness, or value.
To lose one's emotional or mental composure; SYN. go to pieces.