v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Shattered p. pr. & vb. n. Shattering. ] [ OE. schateren, scateren, to scatter, to dash, AS. scateran; cf. D. schateren to crack, to make a great noise, OD. schetteren to scatter, to burst, to crack. Cf. Scatter. ] 1. To break at once into many pieces; to dash, burst, or part violently into fragments; to rend into splinters; as, an explosion shatters a rock or a bomb; too much steam shatters a boiler; an oak is shattered by lightning. [ 1913 Webster ] A monarchy was shattered to pieces, and divided amongst revolted subjects. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To disorder; to derange; to render unsound; as, to be shattered in intellect; his constitution was shattered; his hopes were shattered. [ 1913 Webster ] A man of a loose, volatile, and shattered humor. Norris. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To scatter about. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] |