Definition of tear
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a : 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
3a : to remove by force : wrench —often used with offtear 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
1 : to separate on being pulled : rend this cloth tears easily
2a : 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 at tear into tear it tear one's hair
: to cause anguish to : distress her grief tore at his heart
: to attack without restraint or caution
: to cause frustration, defeat, or an end to plans or hopes
that tears it
: to pull one's hair as an expression of grief, rage, frustration, desperation, or anxiety also : to feel or display such an emotion
tear
noun (1)Definition of tear (Entry 2 of 4)
1a : damage from being torn (see tear entry 1) especially : a hole or flaw made by tearing mending a tear in her skirt
b : the act of tearing something
2a : a hurried and violent rush : a tearing pace
the train went by at a tear
b : spree got paid and went on a tear
c : a run of unusual success
the team was on a tear
tear
noun (2)Definition of tear (Entry 3 of 4)
2 tears plural : an act of weeping or grieving
broke into tears
3 : a transparent drop of fluid or hardened fluid matter (such as resin)
tear
verb (2)teared; tearing; tears
Definition of tear (Entry 4 of 4)
: to fill with tears (see tear entry 3) : shed tears
eyes tearing in the November wind— Saul Bellow
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Time Traveler for tear
The first known use of tear was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century