C1verb1K

Smash

UK /["/smæʃ/","/ˈsmæʃɪz/","/smæʃt/","/ˈsmæʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/smæʃ/","/ˈsmæʃɪz/","/smæʃt/","/ˈsmæʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to break something, or to be broken, violently and noisily into many pieces

In simple words: To hit something very hard, causing it to break.

Examples

  • He used a hammer to smash the old wooden crate into pieces.
  • The children were excited to smash the piñata at the party.
  • The car smashed into the wall during the high-speed chase.
  • Her band’s new single smashed the charts within the first week.
  • The movie was a smash hit, breaking box office records worldwide.
  • They plan to smash the old building to make space for a new park.
  • When angered, he would smash his glass on the floor to scare people.
  • In the tennis match, she managed to smash the ball past her opponent.

Usage notes

Use 'smash' when referring to breaking something forcefully. It is appropriate in both casual and slightly formal contexts but may not be suitable for formal writing.

Grammar pattern

smash + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'smash' — imagine smashing a cake with your hands.

Collocations

  • smash a window
  • smash into
  • smash the competition
  • smash records
  • smash hit

Synonyms

  • slam
  • crush it

Antonyms

  • repair
  • fix
  • restore

Common mistakes

  • Using 'smash' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Confusing 'smash' with 'crush' — they have slightly different meanings.
  • Omitting the object when using 'smash' (e.g., saying 'I smash' without an object).