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smash up

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To break something into many pieces or completely wreck it.

Literal meaning: To smash (break) something all the way up — implying complete destruction.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 informal

To destroy or vandalize a place or object by breaking things violently.

"Rioters smashed up several storefronts along the main street."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

car shop flat guitar place vehicle

Forms

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

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