Shipwreck

Part of speech: noun (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.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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.