Pronunciation: [tˈe͡əɹ ɐsˈʌndə] (IPA) 
"Tear asunder" is a phrase that means to rip apart forcefully. The word "tare" is sometimes mistaken for "tear," meaning to cry, but is actually a variation of the word "tear," meaning to rip. In the IPA phonetic transcription, "tare" is pronounced as /tɛər/, while "tear" (to cry) is pronounced as /tɪər/. So, to correctly write "tare asunder," one must use the spelling with an "a" instead of an "e" to avoid confusion.
The expression "tare asunder" is an idiomatic phrase that is used to describe the act of tearing or ripping something apart forcefully or violently. It is derived from the verb "tare" meaning to tear or rend, and the adverb "asunder" referring to something being torn into separate parts or pieces.
When used figuratively, "tare asunder" implies a complete and forceful separation or destruction, often applied to relationships, organizations, or structures. It suggests a severe and irreparable division or fragmentation that results from strong or conflicting forces.
The phrase can also connote a sense of emotional or psychological upheaval, representing a deep disruption or tearing apart of one's innermost being or relationships. It expresses a profound breaking or shattering of harmony, unity, or continuity, leaving behind devastation and disarray.
Furthermore, "tare asunder" can be employed metaphorically to depict a violent or drastic disruption in logical or coherent thinking, as ideas or concepts are torn apart, leading to confusion or disorientation.
In summary, "tare asunder" is an idiomatic expression that denotes a forceful tearing or ripping apart, whether in the physical or metaphoric sense. It embodies the notion of severe division, destruction, or disruption, emphasizing the intense and irreparable nature of the separation or fragmentation that ensues.
The word "tare" comes from the Old English "teran", which means "to tear". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "teraną". "A" is a Middle English variant of the preposition "on" or "in". "Asunder", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "sundor", meaning "apart" or "separately". The two words have been combined to form the phrase "tare asunder", which means to tear apart or separate something forcefully.
