smash / smash/ • v. 1. [tr.] violently break (something) into pieces: the thief smashed a window to get into the car gone are the days when he smashed up hotels. ∎  [intr.] be violently broken into pieces; shatter: the glass ball smashed instantly on the pavement. ∎  violently knock down or crush inward: soldiers smashed down doors. ∎  crash and severely damage (a vehicle): my Volvo's been smashed up. ∎  hit or attack (someone) very violently: Donald smashed him over the head. ∎  easily or comprehensively beat (a record): he smashed the course record. ∎  completely defeat, destroy, or foil (something regarded as hostile or dangerous): a deliberate attempt to smash the union movement.2. [intr.] move so as to hit or collide with something with great force and impact: their plane smashed into a mountainside. ∎  [tr.] (in sports) strike (the ball) or score (a goal, run, etc.) with great force: he smashed that one into the bleachers for another two-run homer. ∎  [tr.] (in tennis, badminton, and similar sports) strike (the ball or shuttlecock) downward with a hard overhand stroke.• n. 1. an act or sound of something smashing: he heard the smash of glass. ∎  a violent collision or impact between vehicles: a car smash. ∎  a violent blow: a forearm smash. ∎  a stroke in tennis, badminton, and similar sports in which the ball is hit downward with a hard overhand volley. ∎ inf., dated a bankruptcy or financial failure.2. (also smash hit) inf. a very successful song, film, show, or performer: a box-office smash.3. a mixture of liquors (typically brandy) with flavored water and ice.ORIGIN: early 18th cent. (as a noun): probably imitative, representing a blend of words such as smack, smite with bash, mash, etc.