Wrecked

/rɛkt/ adjective

Definition

Severely damaged or destroyed, either physically or emotionally exhausted and upset.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'wrek' (wreckage, something cast ashore), which may relate to 'wrack' (seaweed cast on shore). Originally it meant specifically ships destroyed at sea, then expanded to mean any destruction.

Kelly Says

Ships that wrecked at sea provided incredibly valuable resources in medieval times—'wrack' (seaweed) and shipwrecks supplied timber, rope, and materials for poor coastal communities! This is why wrecking ships was such a serious crime (and why wreckers who lured ships to shore were executed).

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