Definition of: wreck

(rek) v.t.
1. To cause the destruction or wreck of, as a vessel; shipwreck.
2. To bring ruin, damage, or destruction upon.
3. To tear down, as a building; dismantle.
—v.i.
4. To suffer wreck; be ruined.
5. To engage in wrecking, as for plunder or salvage. See synonyms under RUIN. [<noun]
—noun
1. The act of wrecking, or the state of being wrecked; the ruin of anything, especially if effected violently.
2. That which has been wrecked or ruined, as a vessel or an army; hence, an emaciated person.
3. Wreckage; shipwreck.
4. Law Property cast upon land by the sea, either broken portions of a wrecked vessel or cargo from it. ♦ Homophone: reck. [<AF wrec, wrech, OF warec <ON (assumed) wrek <wrekan drive]