Shatter

Definition

Shatter refers to breaking suddenly into small pieces as a result of impact or by pressure.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃætər/
• Respelling: SHAT-er (with "SHAT" as in "cat," and "er" as in "butter")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃætə/
• Respelling: SHAT-uh (with "SHAT" as in "cat," and "uh" as in the ending of "sofa")

In both dialects, "shatter" starts with the "sh" sound, followed by a short "a" sound as in "cat." The American English version ends with a pronounced "r" sound, while in British English, the ending "r" is less pronounced or not pronounced at all, leading to a slightly open-ended sound. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "SHAT."

Etymology

The word "shatter" originated from the Middle English word "shateren," which has been used since the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Shattered
• Shattering
• Shatterproof

Synonyms

• Smash
• Break
• Fragment

Antonyms

• Mend
• Repair
• Restore

Usage

The term "shatter" is widely used in both everyday language and in specific fields like material science, physics, and engineering to describe the act or state of breaking into small pieces. It can also metaphorically refer to destroying something non-physical, like hopes or dreams.

Related Terms

• Fracture
• Splinter
• Disintegrate

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Physical Destruction: To cause to break suddenly into small pieces, typically as a result of impact or by pressure.
• Example: The baseball shattered the window.

• Metaphorical Destruction: To destroy or severely damage something intangible such as hope, belief, or morale.
• Example: The news of the tragedy shattered their hopes.

Noun

• Physical Fragmentation: The fragmented parts of a broken object.
• Example: The shatter from the broken vase was spread across the floor.

• Metaphorical Fragmentation: The state of being severely damaged or destroyed in a non-physical way.
• Example: The shatter of their dreams left them in a state of despair.