wreck

Wreck is a term used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the remains of something that has been badly damaged or destroyed. The most common sense is a sunken or stranded ship, but wreck can also denote debris from a crash or disaster. As a verb, wreck means to injure, ruin, or cause extensive damage, as in "to wreck a car" or "to wreck a plan." A related noun is wreckage, the tangible remnants left behind.

Wrecks occur in many contexts. Shipwrecks are the remains of vessels that have capsized, run aground, or sunk, often becoming underwater features that host marine life. Aircraft wrecks are the remains of planes after crashes. Vehicle wrecks include cars, trains, or trucks damaged by collision or failure. Wreckage can be dispersed or concentrated, and wreck sites may be protected for safety, historical, or archaeological reasons.

Causes include storms, collisions, grounding, mechanical failure, or human error. Recovery and study may involve salvage operations, rescue efforts, and wreck diving, a recreational activity that explores underwater wrecks with specialized equipment. Wreck sites can be hazardous to divers and ships, and many jurisdictions regulate artifact removal or exploitation.

Legally, wrecks may be subject to maritime salvage laws or cultural heritage protections. In the United States, the Abandoned Shipwreck Act places ownership with coastal states; international frameworks include the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. The term also has historical usage and literary associations.