(computer science) an event that causes a computer system to become inoperative
"the crash occurred during a thunderstorm and the system has been down ever since"
A sudden, intense, loud sound, as made for example by cymbals.
"The tailor measured the bolt of crash before cutting it into strips for the sailor's hammocks."
A type of rough linen.
In plain English: A crash is a loud and sudden noise made when things break or hit each other hard.
"The loud crash from the kitchen startled everyone in the house."
Usage: As a noun in everyday usage, crash refers to a loud noise or a sudden violent collision, not a type of linen. Use this word to describe an accident involving vehicles or a severe financial failure.
fall or come down violently
"The branch crashed down on my car"
"The plane crashed in the sea"
break violently or noisily; smash
"The old vase crashed to the floor when I dropped it by accident."
cause to crash
"The terrorists crashed the plane into the palace"
"Mother crashed the motorbike into the lamppost"
undergo a sudden and severe downturn
"the economy crashed"
"will the stock market crash again?"
To collide with something destructively, fall or come down violently.
"The old ladder crashed through the floorboards when he leaned too far to grab his toolbox."
In plain English: To crash means to hit something hard and break it or to fall down suddenly.
"The car crashed into the tree while driving too fast."
Usage: Use "crash" to describe a violent collision between objects or a sudden, uncontrolled fall. It implies significant impact or damage, such as a car crashing into a tree or a glass crashing to the floor.
Quick, fast, intensive, impromptu.
"I didn't plan a dinner party; I just decided to crash at my friend's house for an hour while her family was out."
In plain English: Crash describes something that is broken, damaged, or in bad condition after an accident.
"The car crash was so severe that the passengers were injured."
Usage: Use "crash" as an adjective only in specific phrases like "crash course" or "crash diet" to describe something that is intense and hurriedly organized. Do not use it as a standalone descriptor for speed or intensity outside of these established idioms.
The word crash comes from Middle English terms meaning "to break into pieces." Its origin is uncertain, but it likely developed from earlier words related to breaking or cracking.