broken 🔊
Meaning of broken
Having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or in working order.
Key Difference
While 'broken' generally refers to physical damage, its synonyms may imply different degrees or types of damage, or metaphorical breakage.
Example of broken
- The broken vase lay in pieces on the floor, a reminder of the earthquake's power.
- After years of neglect, the old factory's machinery was completely broken.
Synonyms
shattered 🔊
Meaning of shattered
Broken violently into many pieces.
Key Difference
Shattered implies a more dramatic or complete destruction than broken.
Example of shattered
- The shattered glass from the car window scattered across the pavement.
- Her dreams of Olympic gold were shattered when she broke her leg.
fractured 🔊
Meaning of fractured
Broken or cracked, typically in a clean or precise way.
Key Difference
Fractured often suggests a partial break or a break along a specific line, commonly used in medical contexts.
Example of fractured
- The doctor confirmed his arm was fractured after the bicycle accident.
- The fractured relationship between the two countries took years to mend.
damaged 🔊
Meaning of damaged
Harmed or impaired in function or value.
Key Difference
Damaged is more general and can include things that are impaired but not necessarily physically broken.
Example of damaged
- The storm left many homes damaged but still standing.
- Her reputation was damaged by the false accusations.
ruptured 🔊
Meaning of ruptured
Suddenly broken or burst open.
Key Difference
Ruptured often implies an internal break or a sudden failure under pressure.
Example of ruptured
- The ruptured pipeline caused oil to spill into the river.
- He was rushed to hospital with a ruptured appendix.
cracked 🔊
Meaning of cracked
Broken without complete separation of parts.
Key Difference
Cracked suggests partial damage where the object remains in one piece but with visible damage.
Example of cracked
- The cracked mirror still hung in the hallway, reflecting distorted images.
- After the drought, the cracked earth stretched for miles.
fragmented 🔊
Meaning of fragmented
Broken into small or separate parts.
Key Difference
Fragmented emphasizes the separation into many distinct pieces, often used for abstract concepts.
Example of fragmented
- The ancient tablet was fragmented, making translation difficult.
- Modern society has become increasingly fragmented in its values.
busted 🔊
Meaning of busted
Broken or out of order (informal).
Key Difference
Busted is more colloquial and often used for mechanical failures.
Example of busted
- The busted air conditioner made the summer heat unbearable.
- His busted knee kept him from playing in the championship.
disabled 🔊
Meaning of disabled
Rendered incapable or non-functional.
Key Difference
Disabled often refers to mechanical or technological systems that are not working properly.
Example of disabled
- The disabled elevator forced everyone to use the stairs.
- After the cyberattack, many computer systems were disabled.
demolished 🔊
Meaning of demolished
Completely destroyed or torn down.
Key Difference
Demolished implies intentional destruction or complete ruin beyond repair.
Example of demolished
- The old stadium was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.
- His argument was completely demolished by the opposing debater.
Conclusion
- Broken is the most general term for something that is no longer whole or functioning properly.
- Shattered can be used when something is violently broken into many pieces, either physically or metaphorically.
- Fractured is best used when referring to clean breaks, especially in medical or geological contexts.
- Damaged works well when referring to impaired function without complete breakage.
- Ruptured should be used for sudden internal breaks, especially under pressure.
- Cracked is appropriate for partial breaks where the object remains intact.
- Fragmented works best when describing things broken into many distinct pieces, especially abstract concepts.
- Busted is perfect for informal contexts, especially regarding mechanical failures.
- Disabled is most appropriate for technological or mechanical systems that are non-functional.
- Demolished should be used when referring to complete, often intentional destruction.