Crumple

To crumple means to crush or squeeze something into a distorted or irregular shape, often making it smaller and less organized. This action can be done intentionally, as with paper, or it can occur due to force or pressure. Crumpling often suggests a loss of form, smoothness, or integrity. Metaphorically, it can also describe the failure or weakening of something intangible, like a plan or a person's resolve. The effect of crumpling can be both physical and emotional, representing damage, disarray, or surrender.

Crumple meaning with examples

• He crumpled the letter in his hand, a sign of his frustration and disappointment after reading the bad news. The once neat paper was now a ball of wrinkled frustration, mirroring his internal state.
• The car crumpled upon impact with the brick wall, leaving a pile of twisted metal. The force of the collision immediately changed the car's structure, rendering it useless. The driver thankfully walked away.
• After a long day, she crumpled onto the sofa, completely exhausted and spent. Her posture was now slumped, showing the day had taken its toll on her both physically and mentally. All she wanted was to rest.
• The political candidate's carefully crafted image began to crumple under the weight of the scandal accusations. Public support lessened with each allegation. His campaign faltered as his carefully constructed persona lost credibility.