Crack vs. Smash — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
Crack typically implies a partial break, often creating lines or fissures in an object, while smash indicates shattering or breaking something into pieces with force.
Difference Between Crack and Smash
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Crack involves creating a line or fissure in a material, usually without breaking it into separate parts, indicating a more controlled or minor damage. Whereas smash is associated with a more violent action, leading to an object breaking apart completely or becoming severely damaged.
Crack can occur over time due to stress, environmental factors, or slight impacts, suggesting a gradual or natural degradation process. On the other hand, smash usually results from a sudden, forceful impact, emphasizing a quick and deliberate act.
In terms of sound, a crack might produce a sharp, snapping noise, indicative of the specific point of stress. Whereas, a smash typically results in a louder, crashing sound, reflecting the greater energy involved and the multiple points of breakage.
Visually, a crack might appear as a thin line or web-like network, which might not compromise the overall integrity of the object. Conversely, smash often results in visible fragmentation, with pieces scattered or destroyed, highlighting extensive damage.
Materials that tend to crack, like glass or dry earth, usually show clear, defined lines, whereas materials that smash, like ceramics or thin ice, break into many pieces, underscoring the intensity of the impact.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A partial break, creating lines or fissures
Complete breakage into pieces
Cause
Stress, minor impacts, environmental
Forceful impacts, deliberate acts
Sound
Sharp, snapping noise
Loud, crashing sound
Visual Effect
Thin lines, web-like networks
Visible fragmentation, scattered pieces
Typical Materials
Glass, dry earth
Ceramics, thin ice
Compare with Definitions
Crack
A sudden, sharp sound.
The ice on the lake made a loud crack as it began to freeze overnight.
Smash
An overwhelming success or impressive achievement.
The new movie was a smash hit at the box office.
Crack
A thin line on the surface of something, typically indicating damage.
A crack appeared on the smartphone screen after it was dropped.
Smash
A forceful impact that destroys something.
The car went out of control and ended up in a smash against the tree.
Crack
To break without complete separation of parts.
The mirror cracked but did not shatter.
Smash
To defeat thoroughly or decisively.
Our team smashed the opposition 5-0.
Crack
A narrow opening caused by a split.
Light shone through the crack in the door.
Smash
To break violently into pieces.
He smashed the vase with a hammer.
Crack
An attempt or effort to address a problem.
She gave the puzzle a crack but couldn’t solve it.
Smash
To hit something with a lot of force.
She smashed the ball into the net during the game.
Crack
To break without complete separation of parts
The mirror cracked.
Smash
To break (something) into pieces suddenly, noisily, and violently; shatter.
Crack
To break or snap apart
The branch cracked off and fell.
Smash
To render (something) into a mush or pulp, as by throwing or crushing
Smashed the tomatoes against the wall.
Crack
To make a sharp snapping sound
His knees cracked as he sat down.
Smash
To strike with a heavy blow or impact
The boxer smashed his opponent in the ribs. The bulldozer smashed down the barricade.
Crack
To break down; fail
The defendant's composure finally began to crack.
Smash
(Sports) To hit (a ball, puck, or shuttlecock) in a forceful overhand stroke.
Crack
To have a mental or physical breakdown
Cracked under the pressure.
Smash
To cause to come into forceful contact with something
Stood up and smashed his head against the cabinet door.
Crack
To change sharply in pitch or timbre, as from hoarseness or emotion. Used of the voice.
Smash
To crush or destroy completely
The army smashed the rebellion.
Crack
To move or go rapidly
Was cracking along at 70 miles an hour.
Smash
To surpass or outdo by a large margin
Smashed the record for goals in a season.
Crack
(Chemistry) To break into simpler molecules, often by means of heat or a catalyst.
Smash
To move and strike or collide suddenly, noisily, and violently
The car smashed into a tree.
Crack
To cause to break without complete separation of parts
The pebble cracked the car's windshield.
Smash
To break suddenly into pieces, as from a violent blow or collision
The dish smashed when it hit the floor.
Crack
To cause to break with a sharp snapping sound
Crack nuts.
Smash
(Sports) To hit a ball, puck, or shuttlecock in a forceful overhand stroke.
Crack
To crush (corn or wheat, for example) into small pieces.
Smash
To go bankrupt.
Crack
To strike, especially with a sharp sound
Cracked the intruder over the head with a lamp.
Smash
A heavy blow or collision
The smash knocked over the signpost.
Crack
To cause to come into forceful contact with something, especially with a sharp sound
Fell and cracked his head against the floor.
Smash
(Sports) A forceful overhand stroke, as in tennis or badminton.
Crack
To open to a slight extent
Crack a window to let in some air.
Smash
A violent breaking of something or the noise made by such breaking
There was a loud smash in the kitchen as the dishes fell off the shelf.
Crack
To break open or into
Crack a safe.
Smash
Total defeat or destruction; ruin.
Crack
To open up for use or consumption
Crack a book.
Cracked a beer.
Smash
Financial failure; bankruptcy.
Crack
To break through (an obstacle) in order to win acceptance or acknowledgment
Finally cracked the "men-only" rule at the club.
Smash
A drink made of mint, sugar, soda water, and alcoholic liquor, usually brandy.
Crack
To discover the solution to, especially after considerable effort
Crack a code.
Smash
A soft drink made of crushed fruit.
Crack
To cause (the voice) to crack.
Smash
(Informal) A resounding success
The play was a smash on Broadway.
Crack
(Informal) To tell (a joke), especially on impulse or in an effective manner.
Smash
Of, relating to, or being a resounding success
A smash hit on Broadway.
Crack
To cause to have a mental or physical breakdown.
Smash
With a sudden violent crash.
Crack
To impair or destroy
Their rude remarks cracked his equanimity.
Smash
The sound of a violent impact; a violent striking together.
I could hear the screech of the brakes, then the horrible smash of cars colliding.
Crack
To reduce (petroleum) to simpler compounds by cracking.
Smash
A traffic collision.
The driver and two passengers were badly injured in the smash.
Crack
A partial split or break; a fissure
Cracks in the basement wall.
Smash
(colloquial) Something very successful or popular (as music, food, fashion, etc).
This new show is sure to be a smash.
Crack
A slight narrow space
The window was open a crack.
Smash
(tennis) A very hard overhead shot hit sharply downward.
A smash may not be as pretty as a good half volley, but it can still win points.
Crack
(Informal) The fissure between the buttocks.
Smash
A bankruptcy.
Crack
A defect or flaw
Cracks in the argument.
A crack in his composure.
Smash
A disaster; a bad situation.
Crack
A sharp snapping sound, such as the report of a firearm.
Smash
A mashed foodstuff.
Crack
A sharp resounding blow
Gave him a crack on the head.
Smash
A kind of julep cocktail containing chunks of fresh fruit that can be eaten after finishing the drink.
Crack
A breaking, harshly dissonant vocal tone or sound, as in hoarseness.
Smash
Airspeed; dynamic pressure.
Crack
An attempt or try
Gave him a crack at the job.
Took a crack at photography.
Smash
(transitive) To break (something brittle) violently.
The demolition team smashed the buildings to rubble.
The flying rock smashed the window to pieces.
Crack
A witty or sarcastic remark.
Smash
(intransitive) To be destroyed by being smashed.
The crockery smashed as it hit the floor.
Crack
A moment; an instant
At the crack of dawn.
Smash
(transitive) To hit extremely hard.
He smashed his head against the table.
Bonds smashed the ball 467 feet, the second longest home run in the history of the park.
Crack
(Irish) Fun had when socializing; social amusement.
Smash
To ruin completely and suddenly.
The news smashed any hopes of a reunion.
Crack
(Slang) Crack cocaine.
Smash
To defeat overwhelmingly; to gain a comprehensive success over.
The Indians smashed the Yankees 22-0.
I really smashed that English exam.
Crack
Excelling in skill or achievement; first-rate
A crack shot.
A crack tennis player.
Smash
To deform through continuous pressure.
I slowly smashed the modeling clay flat with the palm of my hand.
Crack
(intransitive) To form cracks.
It's been so dry, the ground is starting to crack.
Smash
To break in pieces by violence; to dash to pieces; to crush.
Here everything is broken and smashed to pieces.
Crack
(intransitive) To break apart under force, stress, or pressure.
When I tried to stand on the chair, it cracked.
Smash
To hit (the ball) from above the level of the net with a very hard overhand stroke.
Crack
(intransitive) To become debilitated by psychological pressure.
Anyone would crack after being hounded like that.
Smash
To break up, or to pieces suddenly, as the result of collision or pressure.
Crack
(intransitive) To break down or yield, especially under interrogation or torture.
When we showed him the pictures of the murder scene, he cracked.
Smash
A breaking or dashing to pieces; utter destruction; wreck.
Crack
(intransitive) To make a cracking sound.
The bat cracked with authority and the ball went for six.
Smash
Hence, bankruptcy.
Crack
To change rapidly in register.
His voice cracked with emotion.
Smash
A vigorous blow;
The sudden knock floored him
He took a bash right in his face
He got a bang on the head
Crack
To alternate between high and low register in the process of eventually lowering.
His voice finally cracked when he was fourteen.
Smash
A serious collision (especially of motor vehicles)
Crack
(intransitive) To make a sharply humorous comment.
"I would too, with a face like that," she cracked.
Smash
A hard return hitting the tennis ball above your head
Crack
To realize that one is transgender.
She cracked at age 22 and came out to her friends and family over the next few months.
Smash
The act of colliding with something;
His crash through the window
The fullback's smash into the defensive line
Crack
(transitive) To make a crack or cracks in.
The ball cracked the window.
Smash
A conspicuous success;
That song was his first hit and marked the beginning of his career
That new Broadway show is a real smasher
The party went with a bang
Crack
(transitive) To break open or crush to small pieces by impact or stress.
You'll need a hammer to crack a black walnut.
Smash
Hit hard;
He smashed a 3-run homer
Crack
(transitive) To strike forcefully.
She cracked him over the head with her handbag.
Smash
Break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over;
Smash a plate
Crack
(transitive) To open slightly.
Could you please crack the window?
Smash
Reduce to bankruptcy;
My daughter's fancy wedding is going to break me!
The slump in the financial markets smashed him
Crack
To cause to yield under interrogation or other pressure.
They managed to crack him on the third day.
Smash
Hit violently;
She smashed her car against the guard rail
Crack
To solve a difficult problem.
I've finally cracked it, and of course the answer is obvious in hindsight.
Smash
Humiliate or depress completely;
She was crushed by his refusal of her invitation
The death of her son smashed her
Crack
(transitive) To overcome a security system or component.
It took a minute to crack the lock, three minutes to crack the security system, and about twenty minutes to crack the safe.
They finally cracked the code.
Smash
Damage or destroy as if by violence;
The teenager banged up the car of his mother
Crack
(transitive) To cause to make a sharp sound.
To crack a whip
Smash
Hit (a tennis ball) in a powerful overhead stroke
Crack
(transitive) To tell (a joke).
The performance was fine until he cracked that dead baby joke.
Smash
Collide or strike violently and suddenly;
The motorcycle smashed into the guard rail
Crack
To break down (a complex molecule), especially with the application of heat: to pyrolyse.
Acetone is cracked to ketene and methane at 700°C.
Smash
Overthrow or destroy (something considered evil or harmful);
The police smashed the drug ring after they were tipped off
Crack
To circumvent software restrictions such as regional coding or time limits.
That software licence will expire tomorrow unless we can crack it.
Smash
Break suddenly into pieces, as from a violent blow;
The window smashed
Crack
To open a canned beverage, or any packaged drink or food.
I'd love to crack open a beer.
Let's crack a tube and watch the game.
Smash
With a loud crash;
The car went smash through the fence
Crack
(obsolete) To brag; to boast.
Crack
To be ruined or impaired; to fail.
Crack
(colloquial) To barely reach, attain to (a measurement, extent).
An underground band that never cracked the Hot 100
Crack
A thin and usually jagged space opened in a previously solid material.
A large crack had formed in the roadway.
Crack
A narrow opening.
We managed to squeeze through a crack in the rock wall.
Open the door a crack.
Crack
A sharply humorous comment; a wisecrack.
I didn't appreciate that crack about my hairstyle.
Crack
(slang) Crack cocaine, a potent, relatively cheap, addictive variety of cocaine; often a rock, usually smoked through a crack-pipe.
Crack head
Crack
Something good-tasting or habit-forming.
Crack
(onomatopoeia) The sharp sound made when solid material breaks.
The crack of the falling branch could be heard for miles.
Crack
(onomatopoeia) Any sharp sound.
The crack of the bat hitting the ball.
Crack
A sharp, resounding blow.
Crack
(informal) An attempt at something.
I'd like to take a crack at that game.
Crack
Vagina.
Crack
(informal) The space between the buttocks.
Pull up your pants! Your crack is showing.
Crack
Conviviality; fun; good conversation, chat, gossip, or humorous storytelling; good company.
The party was great crack.
Crack
Business; events; news.
What's the crack?
What's this crack about a possible merger?
Crack
(computing) A program or procedure designed to circumvent restrictions or usage limits on software.
Has anyone got a crack for DocumentWriter 3.0?
Crack
An expanding circle of white water surrounding the site of a large explosion at shallow depth, marking the progress of the shock wave through the air above the water.A nuclear explosion in shallow water; the crack is clearly visible on the water's surface.
Crack
A meaningful chat.
Crack
(Internet slang) Extremely silly, absurd or off-the-wall ideas or prose.
Crack
The tone of voice when changed at puberty.
Crack
(archaic) A mental flaw; a touch of craziness; partial insanity.
He has a crack.
Crack
(archaic) A crazy or crack-brained person.
Crack
(obsolete) A boast; boasting.
Crack
(obsolete) Breach of chastity.
Crack
(obsolete) A boy, generally a pert, lively boy.
Crack
A brief time; an instant; a jiffy.
I'll be with you in a crack.
Crack
(obsolete) One who excels; the best.
Crack
Highly trained and competent.
Even a crack team of investigators would have trouble solving this case.
Crack
Excellent, first-rate, superior, top-notch.
She's a crack shot with that rifle.
Crack
To break or burst, with or without entire separation of the parts; as, to crack glass; to crack nuts.
Crack
To rend with grief or pain; to affect deeply with sorrow; hence, to disorder; to distract; to craze.
O, madam, my old heart is cracked.
He thought none poets till their brains were cracked.
Crack
To cause to sound suddenly and sharply; to snap; as, to crack a whip.
Crack
To utter smartly and sententiously; as, to crack a joke.
Crack
To cry up; to extol; - followed by up.
Crack
To burst or open in chinks; to break, with or without quite separating into parts.
By misfortune it cracked in the coling.
The mirror cracked from side to side.
Crack
To be ruined or impaired; to fail.
The credit . . . of exchequers cracks, when little comes in and much goes out.
Crack
To utter a loud or sharp, sudden sound.
As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.
Crack
To utter vain, pompous words; to brag; to boast; - with of.
Ethoipes of their sweet complexion crack.
Crack
A partial separation of parts, with or without a perceptible opening; a chink or fissure; a narrow breach; a crevice; as, a crack in timber, or in a wall, or in glass.
Crack
Rupture; flaw; breach, in a moral sense.
My love to thee is sound, sans crack or flaw.
Crack
A sharp, sudden sound or report; the sound of anything suddenly burst or broken; as, the crack of a falling house; the crack of thunder; the crack of a whip.
Will the stretch out to the crack of doom?
Crack
The tone of voice when changed at puberty.
Though now our voicesHave got the mannish crack.
Crack
Mental flaw; a touch of craziness; partial insanity; as, he has a crack.
Crack
A crazy or crack-brained person.
I . . . can not get the Parliament to listen to me, who look upon me as a crack and a projector.
Crack
A boast; boasting.
Crack
Breach of chastity.
Crack
A boy, generally a pert, lively boy.
Val. 'T is a noble child. Vir. A crack, madam.
Crack
A brief time; an instant; as, to be with one in a crack.
Crack
Free conversation; friendly chat.
What is crack in English? . . . A crack is . . . a chat with a good, kindly human heart in it.
Crack
A witty remark; a wisecrack.
Crack
A chance or opportunity to do something; an attempt; as, I'll take a crack at it.
Crack
A form of cocaine, highly purified and prepared as small pellets, especially suitable for smoking; - also called rock. Used in this form it appears to be more addicting than cocaine powder.
Crack
Of superior excellence; having qualities to be boasted of; as, a crack shot.
One of our crack speakers in the Commons.
Crack
A long narrow opening
Crack
A narrow opening;
He opened the window a crack
Crack
A long narrow depression in a surface
Crack
A sudden sharp noise;
The crack of a whip
He heard the cracking of the ice
He can hear the snap of a twig
Crack
A chance to do something;
He wanted a shot at the champion
Crack
Witty remark
Crack
A blemish resulting from a break without complete separation of the parts;
There was a crack in the mirror
Crack
A purified and potent form of cocaine that is smoked rather than snorted
Crack
A usually brief attempt;
He took a crack at it
I gave it a whirl
Crack
The act of cracking something
Crack
Become fractured; break or crack on the surface only;
The glass cracked when it was heated
Crack
Make a very sharp explosive sound;
His gun cracked
Crack
Make a sharp sound;
His fingers snapped
Crack
Hit forcefully; deal a hard blow, making a cracking noise;
The teacher cracked him across the face with a ruler
Crack
Pass through (a barrier);
Registrations cracked through the 30,000 mark in the county
Crack
Break partially but keep its integrity;
The glass cracked
Crack
Break suddenly and abruptly, as under tension;
The rope snapped
Crack
Suffer a nervous breakdown
Crack
Tell spontaneously;
Crack a joke
Crack
Cause to become cracked;
Heat and light cracked the back of the leather chair
Crack
Reduce (petroleum) to a simpler compound by cracking
Crack
Break into simpler molecules by means of heat;
The petroleum cracked
Crack
Of the highest quality;
An ace reporter
A crack shot
A first-rate golfer
A super party
Played top-notch tennis
An athlete in tiptop condition
She is absolutely tops
Common Curiosities
What could cause something to smash rather than crack?
Greater force or impact, like dropping something hard on a concrete floor, typically causes smashing.
What is a common scenario for a crack to occur?
Cracks often occur in windows due to thermal stress or slight physical impacts.
What type of force is typically involved in a smash?
A smash involves a significant, often sudden force, such as a hammer strike or a high-speed impact.
What materials are more likely to crack than smash?
Materials like glass and dry wood are more prone to cracking due to their brittle nature.
What is the typical sound difference between a crack and a smash?
A crack makes a sharp, snapping sound, whereas a smash produces a loud, crashing noise.
Can both crack and smash occur in the same object?
Yes, an object can initially crack and then be smashed with additional force.
Are the terms crack and smash interchangeable?
No, crack implies a partial break while smash indicates a complete and forceful destruction.
What visual differences are there between a crack and a smash?
A crack appears as a line or split, while a smash results in an object breaking into multiple pieces.
How does the sound of a crack differ from that of a smash in terms of loudness?
The sound of a crack is usually quieter than the loud, more resonant sound of a smash.
Is it possible to fix a crack more easily than a smash?
Yes, a crack can often be mended and more easy to fix than a smash.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Essential vs. Imperative
Next Comparison
Disconnect vs. UnconnectAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
