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

An animated robot named Roz adapts to its new surroundings after being shipwrecked on a deserted island, and develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling.

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

While the San José is often described as the holy grail of shipwrecks, it is – according to the United Nations - just one of around three million sunken vessels on our ocean floors.

From BBC

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

From BBC

The document was released by the US Coast Guard as part of its inquiry into the June 2023 disaster when the sub imploded while journeying to the Titanic shipwreck.

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