tear
verb (1)
\ ˈter
\
\
tore\ ˈtȯr
\;
torn\ ˈtȯrn
\;
tearing
\;
torn\ ˈtȯrn
\;
tearing
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 off tear 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)
\ ˈter
\
\
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