Pronunciation: /keɪv ɪn/

Definitions of cave in

noun a collapse or fall in of a structure or natural formation, typically caused by external pressure or force

Example Sentences

A1 The cave in the mountain was explored by the adventurous group.

A2 The cave in the forest was rumored to be haunted.

B1 The cave in the desert provided shelter from the scorching sun.

B2 The cave in the cliff had ancient drawings on its walls.

C1 The cave in the underwater cavern system was a challenging dive.

C2 The cave in the remote wilderness was a hidden gem for experienced spelunkers.

verb to collapse or fall in, especially due to external pressure or force

Example Sentences

A1 The roof of the old barn started to cave in during the storm.

A2 I was worried that the tunnel would cave in while we were exploring it.

B1 The pressure from the water caused the dam to cave in, flooding the valley.

B2 The weight of the heavy snow caused the roof to cave in, trapping us inside.

C1 The unstable foundation of the building caused it to cave in, resulting in a major collapse.

C2 The constant erosion of the cliffs eventually caused a massive section to cave in, creating a landslide.

Examples of cave in in a Sentence

formal The structural engineer warned that heavy rainfall could cause a cave in on the construction site.

informal I heard that the old mine shaft might cave in if they don't reinforce it soon.

slang Dude, if you keep eating junk food, your stomach is gonna cave in!

figurative Under pressure from the media, the politician finally caved in and admitted to the scandal.

Grammatical Forms of cave in

past tense

caved in

plural

cave ins

comparative

more cave in

superlative

most cave in

present tense

caves in

future tense

will cave in

perfect tense

have caved in

continuous tense

caving in

singular

cave in

positive degree

cave in

infinitive

to cave in

gerund

caving in

participle

caved in

Origin and Evolution of cave in

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'cave in' originated from the idea of a collapse or falling in of a cave or underground structure.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'cave in' has evolved to be used more broadly to describe any sudden collapse or give way of a structure or surface, not limited to just caves.