{v.}, {informal} 1. To start a fight with; attack. * /The puppy is tearing into the big dog./ Syn.: PITCH INTO. 2. To quarrel with; scold. * /Mrs. Brown ripped into her daughter for coming home late./ Syn.: BAWL OUT, LACE INTO, LAY OUT, LET HAVE IT.
{v. phr.} To attack vigorously, physically or verbally. * /The anxious buyers tore into the wedding gowns on sale at the famous department store./ See: RIP INTO.