tank
The word carries a duality of strength and fragility. In its noun form, it evokes images of heavy, impenetrable armor or industrial-scale containment, suggesting stability and protection. It is the language of military power and infrastructure. In its verb form, the mood shifts entirely to one of sudden collapse. To tank is to crash violently and irreversibly, often used in financial or competitive contexts to describe a rapid descent from success to failure.
Countable when referring to a specific vessel or vehicle like a fish tank or a military tank. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of storage capacity in industrial settings.
Meanings
An armored fighting vehicle with tracks and a gun.
"The army deployed a tank to the front line."
To fail completely or drop precipitously in value.
"The company's stock began to tank after the scandal."
To lose a game or competition deliberately.
"The athlete was accused of tanking the match for a betting payout."