ˈkɹʌmbəl wɛə wɛə(ɹ) become separated into pieces or fragments The figurine broke The freshly baked loaf fell apart break or fall apart into fragments The cookies crumbled The Sphinx is crumbling go to pieces The lawn mower finally broke The gears wore out The old chair finally fell apart completely lose one's emotional or mental composure She fell apart when her only child died