The word "crumples up" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈkrʌmpəlz ʌp/. The first part of the word is pronounced with a short "u" sound /ʌ/ followed by the consonant blend "mp" /mp/. The second part of the word begins with the consonant sound "l" /l/ followed by a short "u" sound /ʌ/ and the final consonant sound "p" /p/. This word describes the action of crushing or wrinkling something into a small, tight ball or shape.
Crumples up is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of crushing or compressing something, typically a piece of paper or fabric, into a small, disheveled mass, often with the use of one's hands or by applying pressure. This action causes the material to lose its smoothness and take on a wrinkled or folded appearance.
When someone crumples up a piece of paper or fabric, they usually do so deliberately and with force, bending and creasing it to create a compacted form. This action is commonly associated with discarding or disposing of unwanted or no longer useful materials by rendering them unfit for further use.
The term crumples up can also be used metaphorically to describe the physical or emotional state of a person or object. In this sense, it signifies the way something becomes weakened, damaged, or disorganized, similar to the effects of a crushed or crumpled object. For example, one might say that a person's self-esteem crumples up after facing repeated failures or that an organization's reputation crumples up following a series of scandals.
Overall, crumples up is a versatile phrasal verb that denotes the action of crushing, compressing, or disheveling something into a smaller, more disrupted state, both literally and metaphorically.
The word "crumples up" is a combination of two separate words: "crumple" and "up".
1. Crumple - The word "crumple" originated in the early 17th century and derived from the Middle English word "crumplen", which meant "to curl" or "to wrinkle". It likely came from the Old English word "crympan", meaning "to shrivel" or "to contract". Over time, "crumple" evolved to refer to the act of wrinkling or crushing something, often resulting in a folded or creased appearance.
2. Up - "Up" is a versatile adverb and preposition that dates back to Old English. Its primary meaning is "in or to a higher position or location". In the context of "crumples up", "up" adds the sense of bringing something into a compact or folded state.