adjective
Common
smashed
smasht
Smashed (adjective) means Broken violently into pieces or fragments. Example: “The window was smashed during the storm.”
adjective
1
Broken violently into pieces or fragments.
"The window was smashed during the storm."
"He found his phone screen smashed after dropping it."
"She swept up the smashed plates before anyone could step on the pieces."
2
(informal) Very drunk.
"By midnight, half the party was completely smashed."
"He was too smashed to remember how he had got home last night."
"Don't talk to Dave now, he's totally smashed after the wedding."
How to use smashed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBroken to pieces — or, informally, extremely drunk.
When to use it
The "very drunk" sense is casual slang; avoid it in formal writing.
Common pairings
smashed to pieces
get smashed
a smashed window
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more smashed
- Superlative
- most smashed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The window was _____ during the storm.
Etymology
From smash plus the past-participle ending -ed.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for smashed
See all rhymes for smashed →Frequently asked questions
What does “smashed” mean?
The word “smashed” means broken violently into pieces or fragments. In plain terms, broken to pieces — or, informally, extremely drunk.
How do you pronounce “smashed”?
“Smashed” is pronounced smasht (/smæʃt/ in IPA).
How do you use “smashed” in a sentence?
Here is “smashed” used in a sentence: “The window was smashed during the storm.”
What part of speech is “smashed”?
“Smashed” is an adjective.
Is “smashed” a common word?
“Smashed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “smashed” have?
“Smashed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: broken violently into pieces or fragments.
Is it appropriate to say someone got "smashed" in a formal setting?
No, using "smashed" to mean very drunk is informal slang and should be avoided in formal writing or professional speech. In formal contexts, use words like "intoxicated" instead. The literal sense, meaning broken violently into pieces, is neutral and fine in any register.
What is the difference between "smashed" and "drunk"?
"Drunk" is the neutral, widely accepted term for being under the influence of alcohol, while "smashed" is an informal, more emphatic slang term implying heavy intoxication. "Smashed" carries a casual, often humorous tone that would sound out of place in formal or professional contexts.
Can "smashed" describe something other than being drunk?
Yes, its primary meaning is being broken violently into pieces or fragments, such as a smashed window or smashed plate. The "very drunk" meaning is a separate, informal slang usage that developed alongside the literal one.
