shipwreck

[ ship-rek ]

noun

1. the destruction or loss of a ship, as by sinking.
2. the remains of a wrecked ship.
3. destruction or ruin:

   the shipwreck of one's hopes.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to suffer shipwreck.
2. to destroy; ruin.

verb (used without object)

1. to suffer shipwreck.

shipwreck

/ ˈʃɪpˌrɛk /

noun

1. the partial or total destruction of a ship at sea
2. a wrecked ship or part of such a ship
3. ruin or destruction

   the shipwreck of all my hopes

verb

1. to wreck or destroy (a ship)
2. to bring to ruin or destruction

Word History and Origins

Origin of shipwreck¹

before 1100; Middle English shipwrech remains of a shipwreck; ship ¹, wreck; replacing Old English scipwræc ( wrack )

Word History and Origins

Origin of shipwreck¹

Old English scipwræc, from ship + wræc something driven by the sea; see wrack ²

Example Sentences

“I went diving in a place where the map said there was a shipwreck and then I saw something,” said Manu San Felix.

From BBC

“The bow of Titanic is just iconic - you have all these moments in pop culture - and that's what you think of when you think of the shipwreck. And it doesn't look like that any more,” said Tomasina Ray, director of collections at RMS Titanic Inc, the company that carried out the expedition.

From BBC

He was a fan of Harris’ writing, and had read the book while filming the shipwreck limited series “La Fortuna” in Spain.

From Los Angeles Times

It has been hailed as the most valuable shipwreck in the world.

From BBC

The island heritage centre hopes more details of the shipwreck will be revealed.

From BBC

Related Words

• capsize
• decline
• descend
• dig
• dip
• disappear
• drill
• drive
• drop
• drown
• fall
• go down
• lower
• overturn
• plummet
• plunge
• ram
• sag
• settle
• slump