Reading Theme:
Shatter: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：break into pieces (shatter)
shatter
/ˈʃætər/
v.
to break suddenly into many small pieces, like glass or a plate.
break into pieces
➕
/breɪk ˈɪntuː ˈpiːsɪz/
v.
To suddenly and violently separate something into many small fragments, often referring to brittle objects.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'schateren', meaning to break into pieces.
💡 Mnemonic
Shatter sounds like 'scatter' when things break apart suddenly.
📖 Example
The mug slipped from her hand and shattered into pieces on the tile floor.
A mug falls and breaks into numerous fragments on a hard floor.
🔗 Collocations
shatter glass – to cause glass to break into fragments
shatter into pieces – to break apart into many small parts
shatter proof – designed to resist breaking
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
shattered (adj.) – broken into pieces
shattering (adj.) – causing something to break
📖 Cultural Story
Shatter derives from Middle English, possibly linked to Old English 'sceaterian' meaning to scatter. It is commonly used in modern English for both physical breakage and metaphorical destruction of hopes.
Meaning 2：destroy completely (shatter)
shatter
/ˈʃætər/
v.
to completely destroy someone's feelings, hopes, or plans.
destroy completely
➕
/dɪˈstrɔɪ kəmˈpliːtli/
v.
To utterly ruin or devastate someone's emotions, hopes, or plans, often in a metaphorical sense.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Failing the final exam shattered his dream of getting into his dream university.
Failing the exam completely ruined his aspiration to attend his desired university.
🔗 Collocations
shatter dreams – to destroy someone's hopes or aspirations
shatter confidence – to completely undermine someone's self-assurance
shatter illusions – to destroy false beliefs or perceptions
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
shattered (adj.) – emotionally devastated
shattering (adj.) – causing emotional destruction
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser