Liberals associate in the growth of Bush or downfall? (8)

I believe the answer is:

collapse

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'downfall?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for collapse that I've seen before include "Slump" , "Suddenly fall down or give way" , "Fall or disintergrate" , "Disintegration" , "Fall down suddenly like escallop" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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