What does trashed mean?
“Trashed” is an English word most commonly used to describe something that has been discarded, destroyed, or reduced to a worthless or badly damaged condition. In literal contexts, it can refer to material or an object thrown away: an old kitchen might be trashed during a renovation. In informal figurative contexts, the word is more dramatic. A team may be said to have trashed its opponents by defeating them decisively, while critics may trash a film, book, or performance by attacking it harshly. The adjective “trashed” often describes a vehicle, building, or area that has been badly damaged or vandalized. Although “trashed” can convey severe criticism, it is generally less neutral than words such as “damaged” and is commonly associated with informal or emotive speech. Its force comes from combining the idea of waste disposal with the broader sense of ruin or destruction.
To discard, destroy, or throw away something as worthless; informally, to defeat someone decisively or subject them to severe criticism.
"The band trashed its opponents at the final concert."
The figurative meanings are especially common in informal speech and writing.
Discarded, ruined, badly damaged, or reduced to disorder; often describing a vehicle, place, or object.
"They drove away in a trashed old van covered in mud."
This use is informal but can describe serious physical damage or vandalism.
Trashed can mean thrown away, beaten decisively, or savaged by critics: one word carries everything from rubbish to a ruined reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trashed come from?
Trashed derives from the English noun “trash,” meaning discarded material or rubbish. The deeper origin of “trash” is uncertain, although the word is attested in English by the early 17th century. The verb “trashed” developed from the noun in the sense of throwing away or discarding something, and later acquired figurative meanings involving destruction, severe defeat, and harsh criticism. The related word “trashy” follows the same source.
Related word forms
How trashed is actually used
The literal sense is relatively neutral, but figurative uses such as “trashed a rival” and “trashed by critics” are informal and can be strongly dismissive or hostile. The adjective is especially common in phrases such as “trashed car” and “trashed house.”
Easily confused with trashed
Trashed means discarded, ruined, or figuratively destroyed, whereas crashed usually means involved in a collision or to have failed abruptly.