Search Dictionary
Definition of shatter

shatter

/ˈʃæt.ər/
shat · ter
Plural:shatters
•
Adjective:shattered
•
Past Simple:shattered
•
Past Participle:shattered
•
Present Participle:shattering
JUMP TO:

shatter Lexical Profile

shatter Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To break or cause to break suddenly and violently into small pieces.

Example

"The heavy hailstone struck the windshield and caused the glass to shatter."

2

To destroy, ruin, or severely damage (something abstract, such as hopes, illusions, peace, or confidence).

Example

"The sudden economic downturn threatened to shatter their plans for early retirement."

3

To upset, shock, or exhaust greatly.

Example

"Everyone in the community was shattered by the unexpected loss of the beloved teacher."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shatter
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shatter

• noun

1

A broken fragment or splinter (usually used in the plural).

Example

"The antique porcelain vase lay in shatters across the tiled floor."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shatter

• Rhymes for shatter

• Nearby Words

shart
shashe
shasta daisy
shatter
shatterable
shattered
shattering

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English schateren ('to scatter, disperse'), a variant of scateren ('scatter') reinforced by Low German schatteren ('to crack, resound').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shatter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shatter
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.