crouler

to crumble, to collapse

verb kroo-LEH Rare

Also means

to be overwhelmed (by)

Usage Note

Crouler describes a structure giving way ('le mur croule') but is very common figuratively — crouler sous le travail ('to be swamped with work') and crouler sous les applaudissements ('to be showered with applause'). The present participle croulant is used as an adjective meaning 'crumbling' (un mur croulant).

Examples

"Le vieux bâtiment croulait sous les années."

Natural Translation

The old building was crumbling with age.

Literal Translation

The old building was crumbling under the years.

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