verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

shatter

SHA-tuh

Shatter (verb) means to break suddenly and violently into many pieces. Example: “The glass shattered when it hit the floor.”

verb

To break suddenly and violently into many pieces.

"The glass shattered when it hit the floor."

"The windshield shattered on impact."

To destroy or crush something such as hope, confidence, or a plan.

"The injury shattered his dream of playing professionally."

noun

A fragment of something that has shattered.

"Shatters of glass covered the pavement."

How to use shatter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo break violently into pieces, or to completely destroy something abstract like hope or confidence.

Easily confused with

scatter →

Common pairings

shatter glass shatter dreams shatter into pieces shatter confidence

Word forms

shattered past tense, shatters plural, shatters singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “shatter” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

shiver

Related words

shake shiver quiver throb tremble shudder

Rhymes for shatter

matter batter hatter latter patter scatter flatter chatter clatter spatter platter squatter

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.

People also searched

shake shiver quiver throb tremble shudder