smash

1 of 3

noun

ˈsmash 

1

a

: a smashing blow or attack

b

: a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis or badminton)

2

a

: the action or sound of smashing

especially : a wreck due to collision : crash

b

: utter collapse : ruin

3

: a striking success

smash

2 of 3

verb

smashed; smashing; smashes

transitive verb

1

: to break or crush by violence

2

a

: to drive or throw violently especially with a shattering or battering effect

also : to effect in this way

b

: to hit violently : batter

c(1)

: to hit (something, such as a tennis ball) with a hard overhand stroke

(2)

: to drive (a ball) with a forceful stroke

3

: to destroy utterly : wreck

intransitive verb

1

: to move or become propelled with violence or crashing effect

smashed into a tree

2

: to become wrecked

3

: to go to pieces suddenly under collision or pressure

smasher noun

smash

3 of 3

adjective

: being a smash : outstanding

a smash hit

Synonyms

Noun

• bump
• collision
• concussion
• crash
• impact
• impingement
• jar
• jolt
• jounce
• kick
• shock
• slam
• strike
• wallop

Verb

• break down
• crash
• shatter

Examples of smash in a Sentence

Noun

The new movie is a smash.

She was a smash at the party.

His new song promises to be a smash hit.

The vase fell to the ground with a loud smash.

She hit an overhand smash that won the match.

Verb

He smashed the vase with a hammer.

The ball smashed the window.

The vase fell and smashed to pieces.

He smashed into the wall.

She smashed the ball deep into the opposite corner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One track, in particular, remains a favorite, and as of this week, it’s become a somewhat surprising smash for the singer. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

After a smash reunion tour last summer, Creed are getting back on the road in 2025 for a huge North American sequel. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

The leaves must be smashed and not chopped for fear the blade of a knife will over-oxidize them. —Thessaly La Force, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, Hulu scored hits in unexpected places (reality smash The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) even as shows such as Futurama and Only Murders in the Building continued to be quiet streaming hits. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Owner Eddie Lakin announced the closure yesterday, ending a tremendous run as one of the go-to spots for the best smash burgers in the area. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

The smash success of Cyrus’ most recent music has fans clamoring for her next album, which the singer told Harpar’s Bazaar is inspired by Pink Floyd. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of smack entry 4 and mash entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1923, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing smash

• smash-and-grab
• smash burger
• smash down
• smash in
• smash to smithereens

Kids Definition

smash

1 of 2 verb

ˈsmash 

1

: to break into pieces by violence : shatter

2

: to drive, throw, or move violently especially with a destructive effect

3

: to destroy completely : wreck

4

: to go to pieces suddenly : collapse

smasher noun

smash

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a heavy blow or attack

b

: a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis)

2

: the condition of being smashed

3

a

: the action or sound of smashing

especially : a wreck due to collision : crash

b

: complete collapse : ruin

especially : bankruptcy

4

: a striking success : hit

the new play is a smash