shatter

[ˈʃætər]

shatter Definition

  • 1to break suddenly into very small pieces
  • 2to damage or destroy something completely
  • 3to upset or shock someone greatly

Using shatter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shatter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The vase fell and shattered into a million pieces.

  • Example

    The explosion shattered the windows of nearby buildings.

  • Example

    The news of his sudden death shattered her world.

  • Example

    The defeat in the final match shattered their hopes of winning the championship.

shatter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shatter

Antonyms for shatter

Phrases with shatter

  • shatter someone's dreams/hopes/illusions

    to destroy someone's hopes, dreams, or illusions

    Example

    The failure of his business venture shattered his dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

  • to break a period of silence with a loud noise or sound

    Example

    The sound of the gunshot shattered the silence of the night.

  • to do something in a completely new or different way, breaking with tradition or convention

    Example

    Her innovative approach to design shattered the mold of traditional fashion.

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Summary: shatter in Brief

The verb 'shatter' [ˈʃætər] means to break suddenly into very small pieces, damage or destroy something completely, or upset or shock someone greatly. It can refer to physical objects, as in 'The vase fell and shattered into a million pieces,' or emotional states, as in 'The news of his sudden death shattered her world.' The phrase 'shatter someone's dreams/hopes/illusions' means to destroy someone's hopes, dreams, or illusions.

How do native speakers use this expression?