Crumple (6)

I think it could be either:

buckle

ballup

(Other definitions for buckle that I've seen before include "Crumple under pressure, or belt fastener" , "Bend - warp" , "Bend out of shape" , "Crumple under pressure, like shoe clasp" , "Shoe or belt fastening" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times and the Evening Standard.

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