shipwreck
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʃɪpˌrɛk/
KK: /ˈʃɪpˌrɛk/
noun
Definition
The destruction or loss of a ship, often due to a storm or collision, or the remains of a ship that has been wrecked.
Example
The shipwreck was discovered on the ocean floor after many years.
Conversation
Did you hear about that recent shipwreck near the coast?
Yeah, I read about it! It was so tragic.
I can't believe how many people were affected by the shipwreck.
I know, it's heartbreaking. I hope everyone gets the help they need.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wreck
disaster
ruin
Antonyms
salvage
rescue
success
transitive verb
Definition
To cause a ship to be destroyed or to cause someone on a ship to suffer from a shipwreck.
Example
The storm shipwrecked the vessel, leaving the crew stranded on the island.
Tense Forms
Past: shipwrecked
Past Participle: shipwrecked
Conversation
Did you hear about that storm that shipwrecked several boats last night?
Yeah, I saw the news! It was really intense out there.
I can't believe how quickly it can all go wrong and shipwreck so many lives.
Root Explanation
Shipwreck → It is formed from "ship" (from Old English "scepp", meaning a vessel for traveling on water) and "wreck" (from Old English "wreccan", meaning to drive or force). The word "shipwreck" refers to the destruction or loss of a ship, typically due to a disaster at sea.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vessel ('ship') being 'driven' or 'forced' ('wreck') into trouble, which helps you remember that a shipwreck is the destruction of a ship.
Visually Confused Words
unshipwrecked