Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Shipwreck?

\Ship"wreck`\, n. 1. The breaking in pieces, or shattering, of a ship or other vessel by being cast ashore or driven against rocks, shoals, etc., by the violence of the winds and waves. 2. A ship wrecked or destroyed upon the water, or the parts of such a ship; wreckage. --Dryden. 3. Fig.: Destruction; ruin; irretrievable loss. Holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck. --1 Tim. 1. 19. It was upon an Indian bill that the late ministry had made shipwreck. --J. Morley.
\Ship"wreck`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Shipwrecked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shipwrecking}.] 1. To destroy, as a ship at sea, by running ashore or on rocks or sandbanks, or by the force of wind and waves in a tempest. Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break. --Shak. 2. To cause to experience shipwreck, as sailors or passengers. Hence, to cause to suffer some disaster or loss; to destroy or ruin, as if by shipwreck; to wreck; as, to shipwreck a business. --Addison.