B2verbemotionsconflict
US/ˈʃæt.ər/
UK/ˈʃæt.ə/
to break suddenly into many small pieces, or to destroy something completely such as hope or confidence
In context
The window shattered when the ball hit it.
The news shattered her hopes of becoming a professional dancer.
A loud bang shattered the silence of the quiet street.
Words that go with shatter
verb + preposition
- shatter into piecesThe glass shattered into pieces on the stone floor.
verb + noun
- shatter the silenceA scream shattered the silence of the night.
- shatter a windowThe storm shattered several windows along the street.
- shatter hopesThe injury shattered his hopes of playing in the final.
- shatter an illusionThe visit shattered her illusions about city life.
- shatter confidenceRepeated failure can shatter a young player's confidence.
verb + adverb
- shatter completelyThe mirror shattered completely when it fell.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The glass was shattered by itself.Correct: The glass shattered.