fell apart

VERB

disintegrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break down collapse crumble

WEAK

break crack up go to pieces

Antonyms

STRONGEST

build

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I’m less inclined to judge people from a distance after having met a man on Skid Row who said he fell apart after his young daughter drowned.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Just one game from returning to the locker room with a spot in the third round, he fell apart.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Manchester City's world fell apart in the space of 24 hours as they surrendered the Premier League title - following on from the bombshell news of manager Pep Guardiola's impending departure.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

But the official Chinese readout mentioned no such commitments — new phone, we’re sorry; Boeing who? — and even a minor trade deal to license U.S. meat imports, without guaranteeing them, immediately fell apart.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Something I didn’t even know was breakable just fell apart inside me.

From "Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson