n. & v.
n. 1 the destruction or disablement esp. of a ship. 2 a ship that has suffered a wreck (the shores are strewn with wrecks). 3 a greatly damaged or disabled building, thing, or person (had become a physical and mental wreck). 4 (foll. by of) a wretched remnant or disorganized set of remains. 5 Law goods etc. cast up by the sea.
v. 1 tr. cause the wreck of (a ship etc.). 2 tr. completely ruin (hopes, chances, etc.). 3 intr. suffer a wreck. 4 tr. (as wrecked adj.) involved in a shipwreck (wrecked sailors). 5 intr. US deal with wrecked vehicles etc. wreck-master an officer appointed to take charge of goods etc. cast up from a wrecked ship.
[ ME f. AF wrec etc. (cf. VAREC) f. a Gmc root meaning 'to drive': cf. WREAK ]