I. ˈsmash noun
Etymology: perhaps blend of smack (IV) and mash (II)
Date: 1725
1.
a. : a smashing blow or attack
b. : a hard overhand stroke (as in tennis or badminton)
2.
a. : the action or sound of smashing ; especially : a wreck due to collision : crash
b. : utter collapse : ruin
3. : a striking success
II. verb
Date: 1764
transitive verb
1. : to break or crush by violence
2.
a. : to drive or throw violently especially with a shattering or battering effect ; also : to effect in this way
b. : to hit violently : batter
c.
(1) : to hit (as a tennis ball) with a hard overhand stroke
(2) : to drive (a ball) with a forceful stroke
3. : to destroy utterly : wreck
intransitive verb
1. : to move or become propelled with violence or crashing effect
smash ed into a tree
2. : to become wrecked
3. : to go to pieces suddenly under collision or pressure
• smash·er noun
III. adjective
Date: 1923
: being a smash : outstanding
a smash hit