smash

UK: smæʃ | US: smæʃ

Definition

  1. vt. to break or crush something violently into pieces

  2. vt. to defeat or destroy completely

  3. vi. to collide with something forcefully

  4. n. a violent breaking or crushing sound

  5. n. (informal) a great success

Structure

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Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century, "smash" likely originated as an imitation of the sound of something shattering (e.g., "smack" + "crash"). Its meanings expanded metaphorically to include forceful collisions (18th c.) and overwhelming success (19th c., e.g., "a smash hit"). The word’s brevity and explosive phonetics reinforce its association with sudden force.

Examples

  1. He dropped the plate, and it smashed into pieces.

  2. The team smashed their rivals with a 10-0 victory.

  3. The car smashed into the wall at high speed.

  4. We heard a loud smash as the window broke.

  5. Her latest song became an instant smash on the charts.