Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Conceived in the aftermath of World War Two, the European Union was meant as a way of leaving behind forever the conflicts between nation-states that had wracked the continent in the past.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2015

In mid-June, when the Pretoria government declared the national state of emergency, white officials predicted that the bloodshed that had wracked the country sporadically for almost two years would soon end.

From Time Magazine Archive

Garth," he said quietly, his deep voice retaining no trace of the emotion which had wracked him only an hour ago, "I am very glad that you have come.

From The Short Cut by Johnson, Frank Tenney

The feeling of unfulfillment that had wracked him constantly was giving way.

From Stubble by Looms, George

The Balls and the Lathams, the Honeys and the Coffins of that ancient day had "wracked" the stranded craft most thoroughly.

From Sheila of Big Wreck Cove A Story of Cape Cod by Owen, R. Emmett (Robert Emmett)