tear

³tear

verb \ˈter\

tore \ˈtȯr\ torn \ˈtȯrn\ tear·ing

Definition of TEAR

transitive verb

1

a : to separate parts of or pull apart by force : rend b : to wound by or as if by pulling apart by force : lacerate <tear the skin>

2

: to divide or disrupt by the pull of contrary forces <a mind torn with doubts>

3

a : to remove by force : wrench —often used with off <tear a cover off a box> b : to remove as if by wrenching <tear your thoughts away from the scene>

4

: to make (a hole or opening) by or as if by pulling apart by force <tear a hole in the wall>

intransitive verb

1

: to separate on being pulled : rend <this cloth tears easily>

2

a : to move or act with violence, haste, or force <went tearing down the street> b : to smash or penetrate something with violent force <the bullet tore through his leg>

— tear·able \ˈter-ə-bəl\ adjective

— tear·er noun

— tear at

: to cause anguish to : distress <her grief tore at his heart>

— tear into

: to attack without restraint or caution

— tear it

: to cause frustration, defeat, or an end to plans or hopes <that tears it>

— tear one's hair

: to pull one's hair as an expression of grief, rage, frustration, desperation, or anxiety; also : to feel or display such an emotion

Origin of TEAR

Middle English teren, from Old English teran; akin to Old High German zeran to destroy, Greek derein to skin, Sanskrit dṛṇāti he bursts, tears

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of TEAR

tear, rip, rend, split, cleave, rive mean to separate forcibly. tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges <tear up the letter>. rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint <ripped the shirt on a nail>. rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering <an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes>. split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers <split logs for firewood>. cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow <a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak>. rive occurs most often in figurative use <a political party riven by conflict>.