n.
Pronunciation: ' ter
Function: verb
Inflected Form: tore \ ' to ̇ r \ ; torn \ ' to ̇ rn \ ; tear · ing
Etymology: Middle English teren, from Old English teran; akin to Old High German zeran to destroy, Greek derein to skin, Sanskrit d ṛ ṇ ā ti he bursts, tears
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to separate parts of or pull apart by force : REND b : to wound by or as if by tearing : 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 or effect by or as if by tearing < tear a hole in the wall>
intransitive verb
1 : to separate on being pulled : REND <this cloth tear s easily>
2 a : to move or act with violence, haste, or force <went tear ing down the street> b : to smash or penetrate something with violent force <the bullet tore through his leg>
– tear · able \ ' ter- ə -b ə l \ 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
synonyms 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>.