crumble
KRUM-bul
/ˈkrʌmbəl/
To break or fall apart into small fragments, especially over a period of time.
Suggests a loss of structural integrity where something solid turns into dust or small pieces.
The story behind the word. A frequentative form of 'crumb,' meaning to break into crumbs repeatedly. It has been used since the 14th century to describe everything from bread to the fall of great civilizations.
Word relationships
- disintegrate: 'Disintegrate' is more formal and scientific; 'crumble' is more visual and tactile.
- decay: 'Decay' implies biological rot; 'crumble' is purely structural.
- solidify: To make or become hard or solid.
- unite: To come together to form a whole.
Commonly confused with
- tumble: Tumble means to fall down; crumble means to fall apart.
Word family
- crumbly (adjective): Easily crumbled.
- crumb (noun): A small fragment of bread, cake, or biscuit.
Collocations
- crumbling infrastructure
- crumble into dust
- crumble under pressure
Idioms & expressions
- that's the way the cookie crumbles
Example sentences
- "The old stone walls began to crumble after decades of neglect." Describing an old building.
- "The resistance movement started to crumble when its leader was captured." Describing a failing organization.
Memory hook
Think of a 'Crumb'—when a cookie 'crumbles,' it turns into many crumbs. Crumble = Turn to crumbs.
When not to use
Don't use it for liquids or abstract concepts that don't have a 'structure' (like a single idea), though it works for 'empires' or 'plans.'
Fun facts
- In British English, a 'crumble' is also a popular dessert with a topping that is meant to fall apart easily.
Related words
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