IPA: /ˈʃætər/
KK: /ˈʃætər/
To break into many small pieces suddenly and violently.
The glass will shatter if you drop it on the floor.
Past: shattered
Past Participle: shattered
A state or condition where something is broken into many pieces, often used in the plural form.
The vase fell and was left in shatters on the floor.
To break something suddenly into many pieces, often with a strong force or impact.
The loud noise caused the glass to shatter all over the floor.
Past: shattered
Past Participle: shattered
Shatter originates from Middle English 'shattren', which is of uncertain origin but may be related to the Old English 'sceotan' (meaning to shoot or throw). The word describes the action of breaking something into many pieces, as if it has been forcefully thrown or shot apart.
Think of something being 'thrown' or 'shot' apart — that's why shatter means to break into many pieces.