Pronunciation

/wrɛk/

Definitions

Noun

• A noun referring to a damaged or destroyed vehicle, ship, or building: The wreckage from the storm was scattered along the coast.
• A noun referring to a state of ruin or devastation: The once-grand mansion had become a complete wreck after years of neglect.
• A noun used figuratively to describe a failed or ruined person, project, or situation: His career was a total wreck.

Verb

• To damage or destroy completely: The car was wrecked in a severe accident.
• To ruin or devastate: The company’s reputation was wrecked by the scandal.
• To leave in a state of chaos or disarray: She left the kitchen a wreck after cooking dinner.

Adjective

• Describing something that is severely damaged or ruined: The wrecked car was barely recognizable.
• Describing a person who is emotionally or mentally shattered: He’s been through a lot and is now a wreck.

Phrases

• “Wreck something” means to cause it to be damaged beyond repair.
• “The wreckage of the war” refers to the destruction left behind by conflict.
• “He’s a emotional wreck” is a colloquial way of saying someone is emotionally distraught.

Example Sentences

• Noun: The sailors salvaged what little remained of the sunken ship.
• Verb: They had to demolish the old factory to make way for a new one; it was a massive wrecking operation.
• Adjective: She was a mess after the breakup, struggling to cope with her emotions.

Synonyms

• Ruin
• Destruction
• Ruined
• Damaged
• Debacle