noun
crash
KRASH
noun
1
A violent collision, especially involving a vehicle.
"Traffic backed up for miles after the crash on the highway."
2
A sudden failure of a computer program or system.
"The app keeps having a crash whenever I open the camera."
3
A sudden, sharp fall in the value of stocks, currency, or other assets.
"Investors panicked during the 2008 market crash."
verb
1
To collide violently, or (of a vehicle) to be involved in an accident.
"The car crashed into a lamppost after skidding on ice."
2
To stop working suddenly (of a computer or program).
"My laptop crashed right before I saved the document."
3
To attend an event uninvited (informal).
"A few strangers crashed the party after midnight."
How to Use Crash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA violent collision or sudden failure — of a vehicle, a computer, or a market; as a verb, to collide, fail suddenly, or (informally) show up uninvited.
Common pairings
car crash
system crash
market crash
crash a party
Word Forms
crashes plural
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Traffic backed up for miles after the _____ on the highway.
Etymology
From Middle English crasshen ("to break into pieces"), likely blending words for breaking and cracking; imitative of the sound itself.