I. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of tear (III)
1. : causing continuing or repeated pain or distress : harrowing
tearing headache
tearing cough
2. : hasty , violent , furious
tearing hurry
tearing rage
3. chiefly Britain : splendid , impressive
tearing success
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of tear (II)
: abnormal watering of the eyes occurring as a reaction to local conditions (as conjunctivitis) or because of obstruction of the lacrimal passages
tearing from the eye and nose-blowing — M.F.A.Montagu