shatter

Universal Words verb 1 ~ (sth) (into sth) to suddenly break into small pieces; to make sth suddenly break into small pieces: [V] He dropped the vase and it shattered into pieces on the floor. * [VN] The explosion shattered all the windows in the building. * the sound of shattering glass 2 ~ (sth) (into sth) to destroy sth completely, especially sb's feelings, hopes or beliefs; to be destroyed in this way: [VN] Anna's self-confidence had been completely shattered. * Injury shattered his dreams of competing in the Olympics. * Her experience of divorce shattered her illusions about love. * [V] My whole world shattered into a million pieces. 3 [VN] to make sb feel extremely shocked and upset: The unexpected death of their son shattered them.