Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shatter \Shat"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Shattered}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Shattering}.] [OE. schateren, scateren, to scatter,
   to dash, AS. scateran; cf. D. schateren to crack, to make a
   great noise, OD. schetteren to scatter, to burst, to crack.
   Cf. {Scatter}.]
   1. To break at once into many pieces; to dash, burst, or part
      violently into fragments; to rend into splinters; as, an
      explosion shatters a rock or a bomb; too much steam
      shatters a boiler; an oak is shattered by lightning.

            A monarchy was shattered to pieces, and divided
            amongst revolted subjects.            --Locke.

   2. To disorder; to derange; to render unsound; as, to be
      shattered in intellect; his constitution was shattered;
      his hopes were shattered.

            A man of a loose, volatile, and shattered humor.
                                                  --Norris.

   3. To scatter about. [Obs.]

            Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year.
                                                  --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

shattering
     adj : seemingly loud enough to break something; violently rattling
           or clattering; "shattering rain striking the
           windowpanes"; "the shattering tones of the enormous
           carillon"; "the shattering peal of artillery"
     n : the act of breaking something into small pieces [syn: {smashing}]