First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1shatter
verb shat·ter \ˈsha-tər\
: to break suddenly into many small pieces
: to damage (something) very badly
Full Definition of SHATTER
transitive verb
1
: to cause to drop or be dispersed
2
a : to break at once into pieces b : to damage badly : ruin
3
: to cause the disruption or annihilation of : demolish
intransitive verb
1
: to break apart : disintegrate
2
: to drop off parts (as leaves, petals, or fruit)
— shat·ter·ing·ly \-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of SHATTER
Middle English schateren — more at scatter
Related to SHATTER
2shatter
noun
Definition of SHATTER
2
: an act of shattering : the state of being shattered
3
: a result of shattering : shower
First Known Use of SHATTER
circa 1640
SHATTER[1] Defined for Kids
shatter
verb shat·ter \ˈsha-tər\
shat·teredshat·ter·ing
Definition of SHATTER for Kids
1
: to break or fall to pieces <The window shattered.>
2
: to destroy or damage badly <The news shattered our hopes.>
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