Crumple
/ˈkrʌm.pəl/noun
To bend, fold, or crush into an irregular mass or wrinkles.
Did you know?Crumple is likely related to a Germanic root meaning “to twist or curl,” which is why its family includes words about bending, not magic—but the visual effect has made it feel like language for collapse itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*krum-
“to bend, curl, or twist”
Middle English
ME
crumplen
“to wrinkle, fold, or collapse into folds”
15th Century
English
crumple
“to make or become wrinkled or crushed”
Modern English
English
crumple
“to bend, fold, or crush into an irregular mass or wrinkles”