wrecking

American  

[rek-ing] / ˈrɛk ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, work, or business of a wrecker.

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adjective

1. employed or for use in wrecking.

   a wrecking crew.

Etymology

Origin of wrecking

First recorded in 1795–1805; wreck + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“I’m a wrecking ball to the status quo,” he said in one post.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, Riel Karmy-Jones, has said the anti-jury proposal sends “a wrecking ball” through the British system of justice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

"If someone turns up for the purposes of just abusing people and wrecking the place and damaging the cohesion, we can ask them to leave, and Australia has asked him to leave."

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

And the book's accusation that Prince Andrew was "entitled" echoed the title of a recent biography of Prince Andrew, by Andrew Lownie, that took another wrecking ball to his reputation.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

I have about a millionth of a second where I see it coming before it slams into my glasses and face and the side of my nose like an orange wrecking ball.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell