smash-up

American  

[smash-uhp] / ˈsmæʃˌʌp /

noun

1. a complete smash, especially a wreck of one or more vehicles.

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smash-up British  

noun

1. a bad collision, esp of cars

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verb

1. (tr, adverb) to damage to the point of complete destruction

   they smashed the place up

Etymology

Origin of smash-up

1855–60, noun use of verb phrase smash up

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

smash-up

However, because of the Globes’ loony category smash-up in the supporting performance categories, Cooper’s triumph came at the expense of “The White Lotus” star Walton Goggins and Tramell Tillman’s Emmy-winning work on “Severance.”

From Salon ● Jan. 12, 2026

They found that the energy of the planetary smash-up would have partially melted Earth’s mantle, which would then have had two layers: a molten top and a mostly solid bottom.

From Scientific American ● Nov. 2, 2023

The smash-up with Russell was eerily reminiscent of Hamilton’s clash with teammate Nico Rosberg in 2016 in a season-long duel for the championship.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 21, 2023

The finale diverges in numerous ways, but one is crucial: who causes the smash-up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2021

I still think this world be harder for folks like me and Biddy than for folks that are smart and don’t have a smash-up face.

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles