verb
/ˈteɚ/ tears; tore /ˈtoɚ/; torn /ˈtoɚn/; tearing
always followed by an adverb or preposition :to separate (something) into parts by pulling it, cutting it, etc. :to rip, split, or open (something) quickly or violently [+ obj]
to make (a hole or opening) in a piece of clothing, a piece of paper, etc., usually by cutting it on something sharp [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to make (a hole, a path) in a violent or forceful way
[+ obj] :to cut or injure (skin, a muscle, etc.)
always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] :to remove (something) quickly or violently
always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] :to go or move very quickly
[+ obj] :to damage or harm (something, such as a country) very badly - usually used as (be) torn
[+ obj] :to cause (someone) to feel confused, upset, etc., especially about making a choice or decision - often + apart or up
usually used as (be) torn
tear apart
[phrasal verb]
tear (something) apart or tear apart (something) :to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces
tear (someone or something) apart or tear apart (someone or something) :to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way especially by describing weaknesses, flaws, etc.
tear at
[phrasal verb]
tear at (someone or something) :to attack and pull pieces from (something) in a violent way
tear away
[phrasal verb]
tear (someone or something) away :to cause (someone) to leave or move away from something
tear down
[phrasal verb]
tear down (something) or tear (something) down :to completely destroy (something, such as a building or wall)
tear into
[phrasal verb] informal
tear into (something) :to begin doing (something) in a very quick or forceful way
tear into (someone or something) :to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way
tear (someone) limb from limb
tear (someone) off a strip
tear (someone or something) to pieces/shreds
to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way
tear up
[phrasal verb]
tear up (something) or tear (something) up
to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces
to break apart and remove pieces of (something)
chiefly US informal :to perform very well on or in (something)
tear your hair out
that's torn it
Brit informal - used to say that something is no longer possible
noun
plural tears
[count] :a hole or opening in something (such as a piece of paper or cloth) that is made by cutting it or tearing it
on a tear
US informal :having great success over a period of time
wear and tear
noun
plural tears
[count] :a drop of liquid that comes from your eyes especially when you cry :teardrop
blink back/away tears
bore you to tears
dissolve in/into tears
end in tears
to have an ending in which people are crying or unhappy
shed tears
to cry or weep
verb
tears; teared; tearing
[no obj] :to fill with tears