Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause something to break suddenly and violently into many small pieces: This is the primary meaning, describing the action of breaking something brittle into fragments.
   • To damage or destroy something completely, especially an abstract concept like a belief, hope, or state of mind: This figurative meaning describes causing severe emotional or psychological damage.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To break suddenly and violently into many small pieces: This describes the state of something breaking apart on its own.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):
  • The impact shattered the car's windshield. (The force caused the windshield to break into many pieces.)
  • The scandal shattered his reputation. (The scandal completely destroyed his good name.)
• Verb (intransitive):
  • The glass shattered when it hit the floor. (The glass broke into fragments upon hitting the floor.)
  • Her confidence shattered after the criticism. (Her confidence was completely broken.)

Advanced Usage

• "to shatter an illusion": to destroy a false belief or idea.
  • The harsh reality of the situation shattered his illusions about an easy life.
• "shattering" (adjective): used to describe something extremely shocking or upsetting.
  • We received the shattering news of the accident.

Variants and Related Words

• Shattered (adjective):
  • Physically broken: "He picked up the shattered pieces of the vase."
  • Extremely upset or exhausted: "She looked absolutely shattered after the long journey."
• Shatterproof (adjective): Designed not to shatter. "Shatterproof glass is used in car windows."

Synonyms

• Smash: To break violently. (Often implies a loud noise and more force.)
• Splinter: To break into long, thin, sharp pieces. (Often used for wood or glass.)
• Demolish: To completely destroy. (More common for buildings; can be figurative.)
• Devastate: To cause severe emotional shock or grief. (Primarily figurative.)

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Shatter" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb typically stands alone.)

Related Idioms

• Shatter into a million pieces: Emphasizes breaking into countless fragments, often used figuratively for emotions.
  • My heart shattered into a million pieces when I heard the news.

Verb

1. cause to break into many pieces
   • shatter the plate
2. damage or destroy
   • The news of her husband's death shattered her life
3. break into many pieces
   • The wine glass shattered