German word

zerschlagen

Pronunciation

IPA/t͡sɛɐ̯ˈʃlaːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbsmash

Example

Der Stein zerschlug das Fenster.

The stone smashed the window.

Illustration for zerschlagen (smash)

More examples

Die Niederlage hat seine Träume zerschlagen.

The defeat shattered his dreams.

Core concept

Something struck with great force ends up shattered, while a stronger side can similarly crush its opponent.

Common phrases

  • Träume zerschlagen

    shatter dreams

  • einen Plan zerschlagen

    thwart a plan

  • die Armee zerschlagen

    defeat the army

Similar words

zertrümmern: Break something apart by pounding it with great force.
zerschmettern: Shatter something violently with a powerful blow.
zerstören: Make an object or system unusable by removing its form or function.
besiegen: Defeat an opponent in a contest or conflict.

Definition in German

einen Gegner oder ein Objekt durch Gewalt oder Überlegenheit vollständig besiegen bzw. durch Schläge in Stücke zerschlagen und zerstören

Word origin

The verb is formed from German schlagen, 'to hit', and zer-, an inseparable prefix associated with separation, breaking, and complete destruction.

Usage tips

  • Zerschlagen sounds forceful and decisive when used of an opponent, whereas besiegen is the more neutral choice for simply defeating someone in a contest.

Other meanings

  • destroyverb
  • crushverb
  • defeatverb

Opposites

  • wiederaufbauenrebuildverb
  • bewahrenpreserveverb

Related words

  • Zerschlagungdestructionnoun
  • zerschlagbarcrushableadjective

Word lists with this word