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.
Phrases and idioms:
wreck-master an officer appointed to take charge of goods etc. cast up from a wrecked ship.
Etymology: ME f. AF wrec etc. (cf. VAREC) f. a Gmc root meaning 'to drive': cf. WREAK