I. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of shatter (I)
1. : causing deterioration or breakdown : destructive , demoralizing
the shattering action of frost — R.F.Flint
somehow we staggered through that shattering heat — A.E.Stevenson †1965
the economic collapse of the thirties was a shattering thing, a nightmare that still haunts us — Lester Markel
2. : having tremendous impact : terrific , overpowering
the giants of our past, their shattering words, their stunning achievements — Jerome Weidman
a shattering display of technical knowledge — Lennox Robinson
the shattering tones of an enormous carillon reverberating through a tower room — Arthur Knight
• shat·ter·ing·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of shatter (I)
1. : an act or result of breaking down
2. dialect England : a small quantity : sprinkling