English Lexicon

Shatter

/ˈʃæt.ər/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To break suddenly and violently into pieces.

    "The glass shattered when it hit the floor."
  2. 2

    To cause something to break into many pieces.

    "The explosion shattered the windows of nearby buildings."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'shatter' originates from Middle English 'shateren', which is derived from Old English 'sceat', meaning 'to break'. The term has evolved over centuries to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings of breaking apart or causing destruction.

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