Wreck
As a Noun
- The remains of something that has been severely damaged or destroyed, such as a vehicle or building.
- A ship that has sunk or been ruined.
- A person who is physically or emotionally exhausted or in poor condition.
As a Verb
- To destroy or damage something severely.
- To ruin plans, hopes, or situations.
- To cause a ship to sink or crash.
As Other Form
- Wreckage (Noun): The debris or remains of something destroyed.
- Wrecker (Noun): A person or thing that destroys or dismantles something.
Word History
The word wreck comes from the Old Norse rek, meaning “something driven ashore” or “shipwreck.” It later evolved to refer to any destruction or ruin, not just of ships but also vehicles, buildings, and even people.
Examples
- The car was a total wreck after the accident.
- Divers explored the wreck of an old pirate ship.
- The storm wrecked hundreds of houses along the coast.
- Stress and overwork left him feeling like an emotional wreck.
Synonyms
Ruins, destruction, debris, disaster, ruin
Related Words
Collapse, crash, damage, devastation
Antonyms
Repair, restoration, success, recovery
