cave-in
UK[ˈkeɪv ɪn]US[ˈkeɪv ɪn]
n
a sudden collapse of the roof or sides of a cave, mine, or other underground space.
n
an instance of yielding or surrendering under pressure.
Morpheme Breakdown
cave
in
cave
hollow space
in
into, inward
Etymology
the compound noun 'cave-in' is a modern english formation from the phrasal verb 'to cave in'. the core element 'cave' originates from the latin adjective 'cavus', meaning 'hollow', which passed into english via old french. the particle 'in', of ancient germanic lineage, intensifies the sense of inward collapse. the term's literal meaning, describing the sudden inward collapse of a hollow structure, developed in the 18th century, likely in mining contexts. its figurative sense, denoting a surrender or collapse of resistance, is a natural semantic extension, metaphorically applying the imagery of physical collapse to abstract pressures.
Analysis
Structure: cave (hollow space) + in (into, inward)
cave: from latin 'cavus' meaning 'hollow'. functions as the core noun root.
in: from old english 'in', of germanic origin, meaning 'into, within'. functions as an adverbial particle.
Examples
the rescue team was called after a dangerous cave-in at the old coal mine.
after hours of negotiation, the stubborn official finally experienced a cave-in and agreed to the terms.
heavy rains last week caused a cave-in on the main road through the mountain pass.