Main Entry: ¹shat·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈsha-tər\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English schateren — more at scatter

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to cause to drop or be dispersed
2 a : to break at once into pieces b : to damage badly : ruin
3 : to cause the disruption or annihilation of : demolishintransitive verb 1 : to break apart : disintegrate
2 : to drop off parts (as leaves, petals, or fruit)

— shat·ter·ing·ly \-tə-riŋ-lē\ adverb