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.