1To break into pieces, smash, crush, or grind (an object into smaller pieces or powder).
氷を砕いて冷たい飲み物に入れた。
I crushed the ice and put it in the cold drink.
彼は大きな岩をハンマーで砕いた。
He broke the large rock with a hammer.
コーヒー豆を細かく砕いてから淹れる。
I grind the coffee beans into fine pieces before brewing.
2To shatter or crush someone's hopes, confidence, or expectations (figuratively).
連敗で彼の自信は完全に砕かれた。
After repeated losses, his confidence was completely crushed.
厳しい批評が若い作家の夢を砕いた。
Harsh criticism crushed the young writer's dreams.
3To simplify or break down something complex so it is easier to understand; to explain in plain terms.
先生は難しい理論を例え話で砕いて説明した。
The teacher simplified the difficult theory using an analogy.
専門用語を砕いて説明してもらえると助かる。
It helps when someone breaks down the technical terms for me.