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Wrecking: meaning, definitions and examples

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wrecking

 

[ ˈrɛkɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

destroying something

Wrecking refers to the act of causing severe damage to something, often through violent or forceful means. It can involve demolishing structures, vehicles, or any large object. The term implies a thorough and often irreversible destruction.

Synonyms

demolishing, destroying, devastating, ruining

Examples of usage

  • The storm was wrecking the coastal town.
  • They are wrecking the old building to make way for new construction.
  • His careless driving ended up wrecking his car.
  • The hurricane is expected to start wrecking homes along the shore.

Translations

Translations of the word "wrecking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demolição

🇮🇳 विनाश

🇩🇪 Zerschlagung

🇮🇩 penghancuran

🇺🇦 знищення

🇵🇱 zniszczenie

🇯🇵 破壊

🇫🇷 destruction

🇪🇸 destrucción

🇹🇷 yıkım

🇰🇷 파괴

🇸🇦 تدمير

🇨🇿 zničení

🇸🇰 zničenie

🇨🇳 破坏

🇸🇮 uničenje

🇮🇸 eyðing

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 განადგურება

🇦🇿 mürəkkəb

🇲🇽 destrucción

Etymology

The word 'wrecking' originates from the Old English 'wreccan', meaning to drive out, or to vex. It has evolved over the centuries, with 'wreck' being used in the 16th century to denote the act of causing destruction. It initially referred to the destruction of ships and their cargo at sea but has since broadened to encompass the demolition of buildings, vehicles, and other structures. The application of the term has extended into various contexts, including accidents and natural disasters, underscoring its association with forceful destruction. Today, 'wrecking' is commonly used in both casual and formal speech, reflecting both physical destruction as well as metaphorical interpretations of damage.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,020, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.