wrack

wrack ¹ also rack  (rk)

n.

1. Destruction or ruin.

2. A remnant or vestige of something destroyed.

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[Middle English, from Old English wræc, punishment (influenced by Middle Dutch wrak, shipwreck).]

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wrack ¹

Noun

same as rack² [Old English wræc persecution]

USAGE: The use of the spelling wrack rather than rack in sentences such as she was wracked by grief or the country was wracked by civil war is very common but is thought by many people to be incorrect.

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wrack ²

Noun

seaweed that is floating in the sea or has been washed ashore [probably from Middle Dutch wrak wreckage]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	wrack - dried seaweed especially that cast ashore seaweed - plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae
	2.	wrack - the destruction or collapse of something; "wrack and ruin" rack demolition, wipeout, destruction - an event (or the result of an event) that completely destroys something
	3.	wrack - growth of marine vegetation especially of the large forms such as rockweeds and kelp sea wrack seaweed - plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae
Verb	1.	wrack - smash or break forcefully; "The kid busted up the car" bust up, wreck ruin, destroy - destroy completely; damage irreparably; "You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!"; "The tears ruined her make-up"