Meaning & Definition of word "Shipwreck"
Shipwreck
/ˈʃɪp.rɛk/
noun:
- 1. the destruction of a ship at sea by sinking or breaking up.
- Example: The shipwreck stranded the crew on a deserted island.
- 2. a ship that has been wrecked.
- Example: The archaeologists discovered the remnants of a famous shipwreck off the coast.
- 3. a situation in which someone or something is ruined or destroyed.
- Example: The financial shipwreck left many investors in dire circumstances.
verb:
- 1. to cause a ship to be wrecked.
- Example: The storm threatened to shipwreck the small fishing boat.
Etymology
●Middle English, from 'ship' + 'wreck', relating to the loss of a vessel.
Common Phrases and Expressions
Abandon ship:
To leave a ship in an emergency.
Wrecked on shore:
To be stranded or in distress on land after a shipwreck.
Shipshape and Bristol fashion:
In good order or condition, originally referring to the condition of ships.
Related Words
maroon:
To leave someone trapped and isolated, usually on a deserted island.
lifeboat:
A small boat carried on a ship for emergency evacuations.
buoy:
A floating device that marks a location in the water.
Slang Meanings of shipwreck
Meaning: To mess something up badly.
● Example Sentence: He really shipwrecked the presentation with his mistakes.
Meaning: To end up in a disastrous situation.
● Example Sentence: After the bad decision, their plans shipwrecked completely.