Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1200-1300
Language: Anglo-French
Origin: wrek, from a Scandinavian language

wreck

2 noun
     
Related topics: Transport, Motor Vehicles, Water
wreck2 [countable]
1TT

car/plane

a car, plane, or train that has been damaged very badly, especially in a crash:
He was still alive when they pulled him from the wreck.
2TTW

ship

a ship that has sunk [= shipwreck]
wreck of
Divers discovered the wreck of an old German warship.
3

person

informal someone who is very nervous, tired, or unhealthy:
He looked a complete wreck.
nervous/emotional wreck
The attack had left her an emotional wreck.
4

accident

American EnglishTTC an accident involving cars or other vehicles [= crash]
car/train/plane wreck
My father died in a car wreck.
5

place

a place that is very untidy:
When you're here, this place is a wreck!
6

old car

informalTTC an old car that is in a very bad condition
WORD FOCUS: accident WORD FOCUS: accident
similar words: crash, wreck American English, pile-up, collision, disaster, catastrophe

➔ See also accident
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
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