sfracellare

to smash to pieces; to shatter

verb sfrah-chel-LAH-reh Rare

Origin: From the expressive prefix s- + fracellare, related to frangere (to break), with intensifying reduplication.

Usage Note

Sfracellare is an expressive, colloquial verb for violent destruction — smashing something (or someone) to pieces. The reflexive sfracellarsi means to crash and shatter, often used for cars or bodies. It takes avere transitively and essere reflexively. It has a vivid, informal register.

Examples

"Ha sfracellato il vaso sul pavimento."

Natural Translation

He smashed the vase to pieces on the floor.

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