SHATTER

v. n.

5 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
v.

To break at once into many pieces; to dash, burst, or part violently into fragments; to rend into splinters; as, an explosion shatters a rock or a bomb; too much steam shatters a boiler; an oak is shattered by lightning. A monarchy was shattered to pieces, and divided amongst revolted subjects. Locke.

2.
v.

To disorder; to derange; to render unsound; as, to be shattered in intellect; his constitution was shattered; his hopes were shattered. A man of a loose, volatile, and shattered humor. Norris.

3.
v.

To scatter about. [Obs.] Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year. Milton.

4.
v.

To be broken into fragments; to fal Some fragile bodies break but where the force is; some shatter and fly in many places. Bacon.

5.
n.

A fragment of anything shattered; -- used chiefly or soley in the phrase into shatters; as, to break a glass into shatters. Swift.