Meaning & Definition of word "Smithereens"
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Smithereens
/ˌsmɪðəˈriːnz/
noun:
- 1. A state of being smashed into tiny pieces.
- Example: The explosion left the car in smithereens.
- 2. Small fragments or pieces resulting from an impact or explosion.
- Example: After the bomb went off, the building was reduced to smithereens.
- 3. A colloquial term for a complete destruction.
- Example: He was so angry he threatened to break the old computer into smithereens.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, possibly from the Irish 'smidiríní', meaning 'little bits'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
blown to smithereens:
Completely destroyed or annihilated.
smashed to smithereens:
Broken into many pieces.
shattered to smithereens:
Broken into tiny fragments.
Related Words
shatter:
To break suddenly into many pieces.
fragment:
To break or cause to break into fragments.
Slang Meanings of smithereens
Meaning: Utterly ruined or defeated.
Example Sentence: His hopes were shattered to smithereens after the rejection.
Meaning: To completely mess up.
Example Sentence: I smithereened my presentation with all those mistakes.