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verb

zerschmettern

shatter

Definition & meaning

zerschmettern is a German verb that describes the act of destroying something completely by hitting it with great force. Depending on the context, it can have two primary meanings:

  1. Physical destruction: To smash, crush, or shatter an object into many pieces by applying heavy force or impact (e.g., smashing a glass against a wall).
  2. Metaphorical destruction: To emotionally devastate or shatter someone’s hopes, dreams, or spirit. It implies an overwhelming blow that leaves the person feeling broken.

Grammar & Word origin

zerschmettern is a weak, separable verb. It is formed by the prefix zer- and the verb schmettern.

  • zer-: A prefix that indicates disintegration, destruction, or breaking something into pieces (e.g., zerbrechen, zerstören).
  • schmettern: Originally meaning to throw or slam something down with force.

The word implies a violent, energetic impact that results in fragmentation.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • zertrümmern (to demolish or smash into ruins)
  • zerbrechen (to break/shatter)
  • zermalmen (to crush or grind)
  • zerstören (to destroy)
  • erschüttern (in the sense of emotionally shaking or shattering)

Antonyms:

  • reparieren (to repair)
  • heilen (to heal - often used in the metaphorical sense of mending a broken spirit)
  • aufbauen (to build up or reconstruct)
  • erhalten (to preserve or maintain)

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Examples

Er wird die Vase zerschmettern.verb

He will shatter the vase.

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