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Search results for 'tear':

tear1 noun 1 a drop of clear saline liquid, secreted by the lachrymal gland, that moistens and cleans the front of the eyeball, or overflows from it in response to irritation of the eye or as a result of emotion, especially sorrow. 2 any pear- or tear-shaped drop or blob. tearless noun. in tears crying; weeping.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon.

tear2 verb (tore , torn , tearing) 1 to pull or rip something apart by force. 2 (usually tear at something) to pull it violently or with tearing movements. 3 to make (a hole, etc) by, or as if by, tearing or ripping. 4 intrans to come apart; to be pulled or ripped apart • material that tears easily. 5 (often tear along, away, off, etc) intrans to rush; to move with speed or force. noun 1 a hole or other damage caused by tearing. 2 an act of tearing. 3 damage • wear and tear. be torn between to be unable to decide between (two or more options). tear a strip off someone colloq to rebuke or reprimand them severely. tear one's hair out to be in despair with impatience and frustration.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon teran.

tear someone apart to cause them severe suffering or distress.

tear someone away to remove or take them by force; to force or persuade them to leave.

tear something down to pull it down or demolish it using force.

tear into someone to attack them physically or verbally.

tear something up 1 to tear it into pieces, especially to destroy it. 2 to remove it from a fixed position by violence or force.