Smash

Definition

"Smash" refers to the act of breaking something into pieces violently or noisily, or hitting something with great force. It also describes a striking success, especially in the context of entertainment or sports. Additionally, "smash" can denote a powerful and fast stroke or shot in sports.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /smæʃ/
• Respelling: SMASH (with "SMASH" rhyming with "cash" and "dash")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /smæʃ/
• Respelling: SMASH (similar to American English, with "SMASH" rhyming with "cash" and "dash")

In both dialects, "smash" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, as in "cash" or "dash." The pronunciation of "smash" is consistent between American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "smash" originates from the mid-18th century, perhaps imitative of the sound of smashing. It conveys the idea of breaking something with a sudden, violent blow or impact.

Derivatives

1. Smasher (noun)
2. Smashing (adjective, noun)
3. Smashingly (adverb)
4. Smashable (adjective)
5. Smashed (adjective, past participle verb)

Synonyms

1. Shatter
2. Crush
3. Break

Antonyms

1. Repair
2. Construct
3. Assemble

Usage

• As a verb: "He smashed the window with a rock."
• As a noun: "The movie was a smash hit at the box office."
• As an adjective: "The band delivered a smash performance."

Related Terms

• Smash hit: A highly successful song, film, show, or other entertainment product.
• Smashing success: An event, project, or endeavor that achieves tremendous success.
• Smash and grab: A type of theft where windows are smashed to grab valuables quickly.

Detailed Definition

As a Verb:

• To break something into pieces violently and noisily: "The vase smashed to the floor."
• To hit or attack someone or something with great force: "The waves smashed against the rocks."

As a Noun:

• The act or sound of something being smashed: "The smash of glass could be heard from the street."
• A powerful and effective stroke or shot in sports, especially in tennis, badminton, and volleyball: "She won the point with a powerful smash."

As an Adjective:

• Denoting something highly successful or impressive: "Their smash album topped the charts for weeks."