Dictionary entry

Shipwreck (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ship″wreck′, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Shipwrecked (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Shipwrecking.] 1. To destroy, as a ship at sea, by running ashore or on rocks or sandbanks, or by the force of wind and waves in a tempest.

Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break. Shak.

2. To cause to experience shipwreck, as sailors or passengers. Hence, to cause to suffer some disaster or loss; to destroy or ruin, as if by shipwreck; to wreck; as, to shipwreck a business. Addison.