shatter
1 synonym and 1 antonym for shatter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To break suddenly and violently into many pieces.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To break suddenly and violently into many pieces.
“The glass shattered when it hit the floor.”
2. verb
To destroy or crush something such as hope, confidence, or a plan.
“The injury shattered his dream of playing professionally.”
Opposites
How to use shatter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shatter glass
shatter dreams
shatter into pieces
shatter confidence
Etymology
From Middle English schateren, "to scatter, dash," related to scatter; both likely trace back to an imitative Germanic root suggesting a sudden smashing sound.
Full origin of shatter →Frequently asked questions
What does “shatter” mean?
The word “shatter” means to break suddenly and violently into many pieces. In plain terms, to break violently into pieces, or to completely destroy something abstract like hope or confidence.
How do you pronounce “shatter”?
“Shatter” is pronounced SHA-tuh (/ˈʃætə/ in IPA).
How do you use “shatter” in a sentence?
Here is “shatter” used in a sentence: “The glass shattered when it hit the floor.”
What is another word for “shatter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shatter” include shiver.
What part of speech is “shatter”?
Depending on how it is used, “shatter” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shatter” come from?
The word “shatter” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schateren, "to scatter, dash," related to scatter; both likely trace back to an imitative Germanic root suggesting a sudden smashing sound.
Is “shatter” a common word?
“Shatter” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “shatter” have?
“Shatter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break suddenly and violently into many pieces.
