1 B1 informal
To damage or destroy a vehicle in a crash or collision.
"She completely smashed up her car when she skidded on the wet road."
separable
smash up
B1 informal separable transitive
To damage or destroy something completely by hitting or crashing.
In plain English
To break something into many pieces or completely wreck it.
What does "smash up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To destroy or vandalize a place or object by breaking things violently.
"Rioters smashed up several storefronts along the main street."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To hit or crash into something with great force, causing extensive damage.
"The lorry smashed up the barrier and came to a halt in the ditch."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To smash (break) something all the way up — implying complete destruction.
Actually means
To break something into many pieces or completely wreck it.
Usage tip
Common in both British and American English. Often used for cars (a car accident), properties (vandalism), or in music criticism ('smash-up' as a mashup). The noun 'smash-up' (a crash) is also widely used.
Words that pair with "smash up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car shop flat guitar place vehicle
How to conjugate "smash up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
smash up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
smashes up
he/she/it
Past simple
smashed up
yesterday
Past participle
smashed up
have + pp
-ing form
smashing up
continuous
Hear "smash up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "smash up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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