1.
collapse; disintegration; breakdown; crumbling
The complete breakdown or falling apart of a system, organization, or structure, like tiles falling from a roof.
帝国は瓦解した。
The empire collapsed.
計画は瓦解の危機に瀕している。
The plan is on the verge of collapse.
内部対立により組織は瓦解し始めた。
The organization began to crumble due to internal conflict.
ETYMOLOGY:
The characters 瓦 (roof tile) and 解 (to break apart) combine to evoke the image of tiles falling from a collapsing building.
VERB FORM:
瓦解する - to collapse, disintegrate
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 瓦解する - to collapse
- 瓦解の危機 - crisis of collapse
- 瓦解に瀕する - to be on the verge of collapse
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 崩壊 - collapse, breakdown (more common)
- 解体 - dismantling, dissolution