Wreck
/rɛk/noun
To cause the destruction of something, especially a vehicle or ship.
Did you know?The word 'wreck' is linked to the Old Norse word for 'to break' and has ties to the dark maritime disasters that once plagued sailors.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
wrakō
“A broken or destroyed object, especially in a violent context.”
Old Norse
ON
rekja
“To break or shatter.”
Middle English
ME
wreken
“To cause ruin or destruction.”
15th Century
English
wreck
“Destruction of a ship or vehicle.”
Modern English
English
wreck
“To destroy or severely damage something.”