Wreck: meaning, definitions and examples

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wreck

[rek ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

shipwreck

A wreck is the remains of something that has been badly damaged or destroyed.

Synonyms

debris, remains, ruins.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wreck	This is commonly used to describe the state of something that has been severely damaged, typically in the context of vehicles like cars or ships. It can also refer to the physical state of a person who looks very tired or worn out. The car was a total wreck after the accident. They discovered the wreck of an old pirate ship.
ruins	Typically used to describe the remnants of buildings, structures, or cities that have fallen into decay, often from historical or cultural significance. They visited the ruins of the old castle. The city lay in ruins after the war.
debris	This word is used to describe scattered pieces of waste or remains, often resulting from destruction or natural disasters. The tornado left a trail of debris in its path. After the explosion, there was debris everywhere.
remains	Often used to refer to the parts left over after the greater part has been destroyed or removed, including human remains in archaeological or forensic contexts. The archeologists discovered the remains of an ancient civilization. They found the remains of a once-great building.

Examples of usage

The divers explored the wreck of the sunken ship.
The old wreck of the car was rusting in the field.
The storm left a wreck of debris along the coastline.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

damage

To wreck something means to severely damage or destroy it.

Synonyms

destroy, devastate, ruin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wreck	Used commonly for physical damage, especially in accidents, and often with vehicles or buildings. The storm wrecked the harbor. His car was wrecked in the accident.
ruin	Indicates severe, often irreparable damage, and can refer to both tangible and intangible things; frequently used in a lighter or more personal context. The surprise rainstorm ruined our picnic. The scandal ruined his career.
destroy	Suitable for complete and utter physical or metaphorical destruction, often used in a variety of serious and severe contexts. The fire destroyed the entire forest. His reputation was destroyed by the scandal.
devastate	Implies causing extreme emotional or physical damage. Often used to describe the aftermath of natural disasters. The hurricane devastated the small town. She was devastated by the news of her grandmother's passing.

Examples of usage

The hurricane wrecked many houses in the neighborhood.
He wrecked his car in the accident last night.
Please don't wreck my plans for the weekend.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'wreck' comes from the Old Norse word 'rek,' meaning 'to drive' or 'to discard,' reflecting its history of destruction.
It was first used in English around the 14th century, originally relating to ships that had run aground or sunk.

Pop Culture

Numerous movies and shows have centered around 'wrecks,' often portraying dramatic car crashes or ship disasters, highlighting the theme of chaos and transformation.
The band 'Wreckless Eric' drew inspiration from the word, signifying an untamed spirit and artistic freedom.

Science

In marine biology, a 'wreck' can refer to a sunken ship that creates a new habitat for marine life, promoting biodiversity under the sea.
Wrecking as a method in construction involves demolishing buildings intentionally for safety or redevelopment, emphasizing planned destruction.

Literature

In classic literature, a shipwreck often serves as a metaphor for turmoil and personal loss, as seen in works like 'The Tempest' by Shakespeare.
The term 'wreck' can also refer to people’s emotional states, often depicted in poetry as being 'wrecked' by love or loss.

Psychology

Experiencing a wreck, whether physical or emotional, can lead to PTSD, influencing how individuals process trauma and recovery.
In therapy, metaphors of 'wreckage' are sometimes used to help individuals express feelings of being broken or damaged.

Translations

Translations of the word "wreck" in other languages:

🇵🇹 naufrágio

🇮🇳 मलबा

🇩🇪 Wrack

🇮🇩 reruntuhan

🇺🇦 катастрофа

🇵🇱 wrak

🇯🇵 難破

🇫🇷 épave

🇪🇸 naufragio

🇹🇷 enkaz

🇰🇷 난파

🇸🇦 حطام

🇨🇿 vrak

🇸🇰 vrak

🇨🇳 残骸

🇸🇮 razbitina

🇮🇸 flak

🇰🇿 қираған орын

🇬🇪 ნანგრევი

🇦🇿 xarabə

🇲🇽 naufragio

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,192 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9189 facilitating
9190 occupants
9191 professed
9192 wreck
9193 isolate
9194 anemia
9195 chalk
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