Shatter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shatter

[หˆสƒรฆtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

glass breaking

To break suddenly into many small pieces.

Synonyms

break, crack, smash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shatter

When something breaks into many small pieces, often violently. It usually conveys a sense of complete destruction.

  • The glass vase fell off the table and shattered.
  • His hopes were shattered when he didn't get the job.
smash

Implies breaking something into pieces with great force or violence. Often involves noise and dramatic action.

  • He used a hammer to smash the old TV.
  • The waves smashed against the rocky shore.
break

General term for something coming apart or being damaged. It can be used in a wide range of situations.

  • She broke her arm while playing soccer.
  • The old chair broke under the weight.
crack

Describes something developing lines or fractures but not coming completely apart. It usually implies lesser damage compared to breaking.

  • He accidentally cracked the ceramic mug.
  • The ice began to crack under the pressure.

Examples of usage

  • The vase fell off the table and shattered into a thousand pieces.
  • The sound of glass shattering echoed through the room.
Context #2 | Noun

destruction

A complete failure or collapse.

Synonyms

collapse, failure, ruin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shatter

Shatter is repeated and has the same context as mentioned before.

  • The mirror shattered when he slammed the door
  • Her dreams were shattered after she didn't get the job
failure

Failure refers to not meeting an expected or desired result, usually in endeavors or functions. It has a negative connotation.

  • The project was a complete failure due to poor planning
  • The engine failure caused the plane to make an emergency landing
collapse

Collapse applies to structures or systems that fall apart suddenly, usually due to weakness or stress. It can also refer to someone falling down due to exhaustion or illness.

  • The building collapsed after the earthquake
  • He collapsed from exhaustion after running the marathon
ruin

Ruin is used when something important is destroyed or severely damaged, often beyond repair. It can also mean someone's life or reputation being damaged badly.

  • The heavy rains ruined the crops
  • His scandal ruined his career

Examples of usage

  • The news of his arrest was a shatter to her dreams of a peaceful life.
  • The economic crisis brought a shatter to the country's economy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Glass shatters under stress when its internal bonds are broken, which is why sudden impacts cause explosions of fragments.
  • Different materials have different threshold levels for shattering; for example, tempered glass is designed to crumble safely.

Literature

  • In literature, shattering often symbolizes a turning point, indicating the destruction of the old and the birth of the new.
  • Writers use shattering moments to evoke strong emotions, reflecting loss, heartbreak, or revelation in charactersโ€™ journeys.

Pop Culture

  • The term became famous with the classic song 'Shatter Me' by Lindsey Stirling, which played with themes of breaking free.
  • In films, shattering effects are often used in action sequences to emphasize dramatic moments and amplify tension.

Psychology

  • The shattering of emotional barriers can lead to transformative growth, similar to how a broken item can be reborn as art.
  • In therapy, discussing one's 'shattered' feelings can lead to healing, illustrating the journey from fracture to wholeness.

Origin of 'shatter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Middle English, derived from 'schateren', meaning to scatter or break into pieces.
  • It relates to the Old Norse word 'skata', which means to scatter, pointing to the idea of things flying apart.

The word 'shatter' originated from the Old English word 'sceator', which means to shatter or break into pieces. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, maintaining its core meaning of breaking into small pieces. The concept of shattering has been depicted in literature and art as a symbol of sudden destruction or collapse, adding depth to its metaphorical usage in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,172, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.