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smithereens
Smithereens (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does smithereens mean?
Small pieces or fragments, often used to describe something that has been broken or shattered into many small pieces.
"The vase shattered into smithereens when it fell to the ground."
Detailed Meaning of Smithereens
The term is often used to describe the remnants of something that has been destroyed or demolished, such as a building that has been reduced to smithereens by a bomb, or a glass that has been shattered into smithereens.
It can also be used in informal context to describe the state of something that has been broken or ruined, like "my phone fell and went to smithereens"
The term "smithereens" is of Irish origin, and it is thought to have come from the Irish word "smidirín", which means "a small fragment or particle".
Overall, Smithereens refers to small pieces or fragments, often used to describe something that has been broken or shattered into many small pieces, it can be used to describe the remnants of something that has been destroyed or demolished, and in informal context to describe the state of something that has been broken or ruined.
Example Sentences for Smithereens
1. The bomb exploded into smithereens, leaving nothing but rubble.
2. The glass window was reduced to smithereens by the baseball.
3. The laptop was smashed into smithereens when it was thrown out of the window.
4. The car was reduced to smithereens in the fiery crash.
5. The porcelain figurine was broken into smithereens when it was knocked over.
6. The attacker smashed the guitar into smithereens on stage.
Origin and Etymology of Smithereens
The noun 'smithereens' is an interesting word with a colorful etymology. It is believed to have Irish and Scottish origins, possibly influenced by the Irish word 'smidiríní,' which means 'small fragments' or 'bits and pieces.' Over time, this term made its way into English, and 'smithereens' came to represent small pieces or fragments, often used to describe something that has been broken or shattered into many tiny parts. The word's etymology suggests a sense of fragmentation and destruction, as if something has been blown to smithereens, emphasizing the scattered and diminutive nature of the resulting pieces.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the noun smithereens:
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More Usage Examples of Smithereens
1. The wind knocked the tree down, breaking it into smithereens.
2. The building was reduced to smithereens by the bomb blast.
3. The meteor broke up into smithereens as it entered the atmosphere.
4. The sculpture was shattered into smithereens by the vandal.
5. The spaceship broke up into smithereens upon reentry.
6. The vase fell and shattered into smithereens.
7. The explosion reduced the car to smithereens.
8. He smashed the old TV to smithereens with a sledgehammer.
9. The storm's force tore the house to smithereens.
10. The wrecking ball sent the brick wall into smithereens.
11. She dropped her phone, and it broke into smithereens.
12. The crash mangled the bicycle, scattering it into smithereens.
13. The earthquake shook the building, sending glass into smithereens.
14. The fireworks burst, scattering sparks in smithereens.
15. The cannonball hit the ship, breaking it into smithereens.
16. He kicked the door open, splintering it into smithereens.
17. The hailstorm pounded the windows, shattering them into smithereens.
18. The boxer's punch sent his opponent's nose into smithereens.
19. The car collision crumpled the metal, turning it into smithereens.
20. The demolition crew reduced the building to smithereens.
21. She dropped the glass ornament, shattering it into smithereens.
22. The wrecking ball smashed through the wall, reducing it to smithereens.
23. The explosion sent debris flying in smithereens.
24. The car crash smashed the windshield into smithereens.
25. The earthquake shook the pottery, breaking it into smithereens.
26. The explosion blew the door to smithereens.
27. The tornado ripped the roof off, sending it into smithereens.
28. The hailstorm battered the garden, shredding plants into smithereens.
29. The impact of the collision crushed the car into smithereens.
30. The pressure built up until the container exploded, scattering it into smithereens.
Synonyms and Related Words for Smithereens
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of smithereens in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
SAT 18 (Scholastic Assessment Test)
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Damage and Destruction
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Destruction and Devastation
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