shatter
SHA-tuh
Shatter (verb) means to break suddenly and violently into many pieces. Example: “The glass shattered when it hit the floor.”
verb
1
To break suddenly and violently into many pieces.
"The glass shattered when it hit the floor."
"The windshield shattered on impact."
2
To destroy or crush something such as hope, confidence, or a plan.
"The injury shattered his dream of playing professionally."
noun
1
A fragment of something that has shattered.
"Shatters of glass covered the pavement."
How to use shatter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo break violently into pieces, or to completely destroy something abstract like hope or confidence.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
shatter glass
shatter dreams
shatter into pieces
shatter confidence
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Word forms
- Plural
- shatters
- Third person singular
- shatters
- Past tense
- shattered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The glass _____ when it hit the floor.
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for shatter
See all rhymes for 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.
