shat·ter [shattershattersshatteredshattering] BrE [ˈʃætə(r)] NAmE [ˈʃætər] verb 1. intransitive, transitive to suddenly break into small pieces; to make sth suddenly break into small pieces •~ (into sth) He dropped the vase and it shattered into pieces on the floor. •the sound of shattering glass •~ sth (into sth) The explosion shattered all the windows in the building. 2. transitive, intransitive to destroy sth completely, especially sb's feelings, hopes or beliefs; to be destroyed in this way •~ sth (into sth) Anna's self-confidence had been completely shattered. •Injury shattered his dreams of competing in the Olympics. •Her experience of divorce shattered her illusions about love. •~ (into sth) My whole world shattered into a million pieces. 3. transitive ~ sb to make sb feel extremely shocked and upset •The unexpected death of their son shattered them. Verb forms:
Word Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘scatter, disperse’): perhaps imitative; compare with ↑scatter.
Example Bank: •The mirror shattered into a thousand pieces. •The moment was abruptly shattered by the sound of Mia's loud voice. •an event that completely shattered her life •Shattered homes were ablaze. •Windows were shattered in the blast.
