Wrack: meaning, definitions and examples
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wrack
[ ræk ]
destruction, ruin
Wrack refers to destruction or ruin, especially when it occurs as a result of external forces. It can also denote the remains or wreckage of something that has been damaged or broken.
Synonyms
debris, devastation, ruin, wreckage
Examples of usage
- The ship was lost to the wrack of the storm.
- They searched the beach for wrack left by the recent hurricane.
- The battle left much wrack behind on the once-peaceful landscape.
destroy, ruin
To wrack means to cause severe damage or destruction to something. It often suggests a violent or forceful action that puts something in a state of disrepair.
Synonyms
destroy, devastate, ravage, wreck
Examples of usage
- The financial crisis wracked the economy.
- Fear wracked her mind as she awaited the results.
- Tension wracked the atmosphere before the announcement.
Translations
Translations of the word "wrack" in other languages:
🇵🇹 destruição
- naufrágio
- destroços
🇮🇳 नाश
- बर्बादी
- मलबा
🇩🇪 Wrack
- Trümmer
- Zerstörung
🇮🇩 kehancuran
- bangkai
- reruntuhan
🇺🇦 знищення
- руїни
- уламки
🇵🇱 wrak
- zniszczenie
- ruiny
🇯🇵 難破
- 破壊
- 瓦礫
🇫🇷 épave
- destruction
- débris
🇪🇸 naufragio
- destrucción
- restos
🇹🇷 enkaza
- yıkım
- kalıntılar
🇰🇷 난파
- 파괴
- 잔해
🇸🇦 تحطم
- دمار
- حطام
🇨🇿 zbytkový
- zničení
- trosky
🇸🇰 vrak
- zničenie
- trosky
🇨🇳 残骸
- 破坏
- 瓦砾
🇸🇮 razbitina
- uničenje
- ostanki
🇮🇸 rúst
- eyðing
- rusl
🇰🇿 жойқын
- қирату
- қалдықтар
🇬🇪 ანგარიშება
- ნგრევა
- ნარჩენები
🇦🇿 dağıntı
- məhv
- qalıqlar
🇲🇽 naufragio
- destrucción
- restos
Etymology
The word 'wrack' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the word 'wrakken' which means to wreck or destroy. It can be traced back further to Old Norse 'vrekka,' which also means to overturn or cast away, pointing to the idea of destruction or ruin. 'Wrack' has historically been used in nautical contexts to refer to the remnants of a ship that has been wrecked, illustrating its connection to the physical destruction of vessels at sea. Over time, its usage broadened to encompass various forms of destruction, whether physical, emotional, or situational. The dual meanings of 'wrack' as both a noun (referring to wreckage) and a verb (to destroy) have evolved but remain closely intertwined with the core concept of damage caused by external catastrophes. Its rich etymological roots contribute to its enduring presence in the English language as a versatile term for loss and devastation.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,594 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 31591 quizzed
- 31592 canonically
- 31593 shirked
- 31594 wrack
- 31595 confidants
- 31596 valedictory
- 31597 suavity
- ...