くず折おれる

く

ず

お

れ

る

Meanings

1

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

collapse; fall down; break down

usually written using kana alone

Describes a person or thing physically crumpling to the ground, or emotionally breaking down. Often used when someone's strength or spirit gives way.

彼かれは疲つかれ果はてて、その場ばにくずおれた。
Exhausted, he collapsed on the spot.

悲かなしみのあまり、彼かの女じょは床ゆかにくずおれた。

Overcome with grief, she crumpled to the floor.

Written forms

くず折おれる
Kanji spelling using 折; usually written in kana.
くずおれるUsage79%
Kana spelling is the usual written form.
崩くず折おれるUsage12%
Alternate kanji spelling with 崩; rare and not commonly used.
頽くずおれるUsage9%
Obscure kanji spelling; rarely encountered.

Kanji

折fold, break, fracture
崩crumble, die, demolish
頽decline, slide

Similar words

倒たおれる
倒れる is a general word for falling down or collapsing, often from a standing position. くず折れる emphasizes a loss of strength or emotional breakdown, with a nuance of crumpling or folding.
崩くずれる
崩れる means to collapse or crumble, often for structures or plans. くず折れる specifically refers to a person or animate subject collapsing physically or emotionally.

Etymology

Compound of くず (from 崩れる, 'to collapse') and 折れる ('to break, fold'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word conveys the image of folding or breaking down under pressure.