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shattering |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Shatter \Shat"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Shattered}; p. pr & vb n. {Shattering}.] [OE. schateren scateren to scatter, to dash, AS scateran; cf D. schateren to crack, to make a great noise, OD schetteren to scatter, to burst, to crack. Cf {Scatter}.] 1. To break at once into many pieces; to dash, burst, or part violently into fragments; to rend into splinters; as an explosion shatters a rock or a bomb; too much steam shatters a boiler; an oak is shattered by lightning. A monarchy was shattered to pieces, and divided amongst revolted subjects. --Locke. 2. To disorder; to derange; to render unsound; as to be shattered in intellect; his constitution was shattered; his hopes were shattered. A man of a loose, volatile, and shattered humor. --Norris. 3. To scatter about [Obs.] Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year. --Milton. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: shattering adj : seemingly loud enough to break something violently rattling or clattering; "shattering rain striking the windowpanes"; "the shattering tones of the enormous carillon"; "the shattering peal of artillery" n : the act of breaking something into small pieces [syn: {smashing}]
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