Épave (en. Wreck)

/e.pav/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Remains of a shipwrecked vessel or drifting.

The wreck of the boat was discovered at the bottom of the sea.

L'épave du bateau a été découverte au fond de la mer.

Something left to abandon, often in poor condition.

This car is a wreck; it can no longer drive.

Cette voiture est une épave, elle ne peut plus rouler.

Movement towards drifting, a sudden degradation.

Don't let your life become a wreck because of bad decisions.

Ne laisse pas ta vie devenir une épave à cause de mauvaises décisions.

From Latin 'epavus', derived from 'pavare', meaning 'to scatter'.

floating wreck

A ship abandoned at sea with no crew.

épave flottante

to become a wreck

To be in a state of advanced deterioration.

faire épave

to be a wreck

To be in poor condition, often after difficult trials.

être une épave

shipwreck

The fact that a ship suffers an accident leading to its sinking.

naufrage

debris

Fragments or pieces left after destruction.

débris

ruin

State of dilapidation of a building or object.

ruine

An object or place in very poor condition.

This piece of furniture is a real wreck!

Ce meuble, c'est une véritable épave !

A person not taking care of themselves physically.

Look at him; he has become a wreck since the end of the relationship.

Regarde-le, il est devenu une épave depuis la fin de la relation.