1
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 (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
2
a
: 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
tearer
noun
1
a
: damage from being torn (see tear entry 1)
b
: the act of tearing something
2
a
: 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
1
2
tears plural
: an act of weeping or grieving
broke into tears
3
: a transparent drop of fluid or hardened fluid matter (such as resin)
tearless
adjective
teared; tearing; tears
: to fill with tears (see tear entry 3) : shed tears
eyes tearing in the November wind—Saul Bellow
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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