a contraction of economic activity resulting in a decline of prices
(geology) the erosion of soil as a consequence of sand and dust and loose rocks being removed by the wind; "a constant deflation of the desert landscape"
concealing crafty designs for advancing your own interest; "a selfish and designing nation obsessed with the dark schemes of European intrigue"- W.Churchill; "a scheming wife"; "a scheming gold digger"
a noticeable deterioration in performance or quality; "the team went into a slump"; "a gradual slack in output"; "a drop-off in attendance"; "a falloff in quality"
fall heavily or suddenly; decline markedly; "The real estate market fell off"
fall or sink heavily; "He slumped onto the couch"; "My spirits sank"
a mishap caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in
an abrupt failure of function or health
lose significance, effectiveness, or value; "The school system is collapsing"; "The stock market collapsed"
break down, literally or metaphorically; "The wall collapsed"; "The business collapsed"; "The dam broke"; "The roof collapsed"; "The wall gave in"; "The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice"
cause to burst; "The ice broke the pipe"
fold or close up; "fold up your umbrella"; "collapse the music stand"