What does shattered mean?
Shattered describes something that has been broken violently into pieces, as in shattered glass or a shattered windshield. It also carries a powerful figurative meaning: hopes, dreams, illusions, or confidence can be shattered when they are completely ruined. The word is commonly used as the past tense and past participle of the verb shatter, as in “the vase shattered,” and as an adjective, especially before nouns such as glass, windows, dreams, and hearts. Because it suggests sudden and extensive damage rather than gradual deterioration, shattered is especially effective in descriptions of accidents, disasters, and profound disappointments. In figurative uses, it can imply that something once whole has been irreversibly broken. The word is used in formal writing as well as everyday speech, though its emotional intensity is more prominent in literary, journalistic, and conversational contexts.
To break or smash something into pieces, usually with a sudden violent impact.
"The falling branch shattered the windscreen."
“Shatter” is the base verb; “shattered” is its past tense and past participle.
Broken into pieces; figuratively, completely ruined or devastated.
"She was surrounded by shattered glass and tried to stay calm."
Common with nouns such as glass, windows, dreams, hopes, and hearts.
Shattered can describe everything from a smashed window to a life-changing disappointment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shattered come from?
The word developed from Middle English forms of “shatter,” related to Old English sceatan, meaning “to break” or “to scatter.” Its roots are also connected with the family of words meaning to throw or spread out, including “scatter.” Modern English developed both the verb “shatter” and the participial adjective “shattered,” with the latter especially common before nouns.
Related word forms
How shattered is actually used
Shattered is common in both literal and figurative contexts. The figurative use is strongly associated with hopes, dreams, illusions, hearts, and confidence, and conveys severe emotional or psychological disruption.
Easily confused with shattered
Shattered means broken or smashed into pieces, whereas scattered means spread out or dispersed over an area.
Shattered implies complete and often irreversible breakage, while shaky describes something unsteady or trembling.