English Reference

Word

crashing

Phoneticscrash·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɹæʃɪŋ/

UK/kɹˈæʃɪŋ/

Definitions

01hitting something loudly

A2 · Elementary

v. hitting something with a lot of force and making a loud noise.

v. the present participle of crash, describing a violent collision or impact accompanied by loud noise.

“We heard the sound of waves crashing against the rocks all night.”

“The sound of waves crashing against the jagged cliffs provided a rhythmic, albeit thunderous, backdrop to the coastal storm.”

02computer failure

B1 · Intermediate Computing

v. when a computer or a program suddenly stops working.

v. the present participle of crash, referring to the sudden failure of a computer system, software application, or network.

“My laptop keeps crashing every time I try to open this large file.”

“The server began crashing under the weight of the unexpected traffic surge, forcing the IT department to implement emergency load balancing.”

03the sound of impact

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the loud noise made when something breaks or hits something else.

n. the gerund form denoting the audible sound or action of a violent impact.

“The crashing of the falling plates woke everyone in the house.”

“The sudden crashing of the heavy timber in the warehouse alerted the night watchman to a potential structural failure.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

04severe or complete

C1 · Advanced Informal · British English

adj. used to describe something that is very sudden, loud, or complete.

adj. used as an intensifier to describe something severe, drastic, or absolute; often used in fixed phrases like 'crashing bore'.

“The party was a crashing disappointment because nobody showed up.”

“Despite the high expectations surrounding the premiere, the play proved to be a crashing bore that failed to engage the audience.”

Antonyms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-2
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference