TEAR Meaning and
Definition
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Tear (noun) refers to a small opening or split in a material, typically fabric, paper, or similar substances, caused by pulling or forceful action. It is characterized by a separation of the fibers or layers that form the material. Tears can vary in size and shape, ranging from small and fine to large and jagged. They often result from physical impact, wear and tear, excessive stretching, or intentional action.
The term "tear" can also be used as a verb, indicating the act of causing or producing a tear in a material. It involves the forceful action of pulling or ripping apart the fibers or layers that make up the material. This action can be accidental, such as tearing a piece of paper while handling it roughly, or intentional, such as tearing a garment to create a fashion statement.
Tears have different implications depending on the context in which they occur. In clothing or fabric, tears are considered undesirable and often require mending or replacement. However, tears can also carry emotional connotations, representing sadness, distress, or strong emotions. In this figurative sense, to "shed tears" means to cry or weep.
Overall, "tear" describes both a physical opening or split in a material and the action of causing such a split. Whether literal or figurative, tears signify a disruption or separation of the elements composing the object in question.
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1. A drop of the fluid secreted by the lacrymal glands by means of which the conjunctiva is kept moist. 2. A rounded bead-like mass of exuded gum or resin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• One of the fluid drops which flow or fall from the eyes through excessive grief or joy; any moisture trickling in drops.
• To separate by violence; to rupture; to shatter; to divide by pulling; to rend; to remove or take a way by violence, or by some degree of force; to go very fast, as to tear along; to rave; to rage.
• A rent; a rupture; a separation by violence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for TEAR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for TEAR
Etymology of TEAR
The word "tear" has a varied etymology, depending on its different meanings.
1. "Tear" as in the noun meaning a drop of liquid from the eye:
This sense comes from the Old English word "tear", which means a drop or a fluid secretion. It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "tǫrr", meaning a tear drop.
2. "Tear" as in the verb meaning to pull or rip apart:
This sense comes from the Old English word "teran", which means to tear or rend apart. It has Germanic origins and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages like Dutch "teren" and German "zerren".
Please note that these are just the basic etymologies of the word "tear" and its meanings, but the word might have undergone changes and developments throughout history.
Idioms with the word TEAR
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tear up
The idiom "tear up" has multiple meanings depending on the context. Here are a few possible definitions:
1. To rip or shred something into small pieces with force. Example: "She angrily tore up the letter and threw it in the garbage."
2. To rip apart or destroy something completely. Example: "The tornado tore up the entire town, leaving nothing but rubble behind."
3. To cause someone to become emotional or cry. Example: "The heartfelt speech at the memorial service tore him up, and he couldn't hold back the tears."
4. To speak forcefully or angrily towards someone in a confrontational manner. Example: "During the heated argument, he tore up his opponent, leaving them speechless."
5. To
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tear (oneself) away (from sm or sth)
The idiom "tear (oneself) away (from someone or something)" means to force oneself to leave or separate from someone or something with difficulty, due to being deeply interested, involved, or attached to them/it. It implies a strong emotional or physical connection that makes it hard to depart or break away.
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not shed a tear
The idiom "not shed a tear" means to not show any emotion or sadness, especially in a situation where it is expected or appropriate to do so. It implies a lack of empathy or indifference towards others' troubles or losses.
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tear yourself away (from sb/sth)
The idiom "tear yourself away (from sb/sth)" means to reluctantly part or separate oneself from someone or something, especially when it is difficult to do so because of strong attachment, fascination, or attraction. It implies a sense of difficulty and resistance in leaving a particular person or thing.
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tear sb's heart out
The idiom "tear sb's heart out" is an expression that means to cause extreme emotional pain or suffering to someone. It implies inflicting deep distress or devastation upon another person, often by their actions, words, or betrayal.
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tear sb off a strip
The idiom "tear sb off a strip" means to severely scold or reprimand someone for their actions or behavior, often in an angry or forceful manner. It implies the act of verbally reproaching someone with great intensity.
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tear at sm or sth
The idiom "tear at someone or something" means to criticize, attack, or express strong negativity or aggression towards someone or something. It refers to forcefully and relentlessly attacking or condemning a person or object.
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tear sb off a strip, at tear a strip off sb
To "tear someone off a strip" or "tear a strip off someone" is an idiomatic expression that means to scold or criticize someone severely and forcefully. It suggests verbally reprimanding someone with anger, often resulting in a strong rebuke or dressing down. The phrase implies a forceful and aggressive confrontation regarding a particular behavior or action.
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tear a strip off somebody
The idiom "tear a strip off somebody" means to severely criticize or reprimand someone in a harsh or angry manner. It implies verbally berating or scolding someone vehemently, often leaving them feeling humiliated or admonished.
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tear someone limb from limb
The idiom "tear someone limb from limb" is a metaphorical expression used to describe extreme violence or aggression towards someone, often referring to a physical attack where an individual is violently dismembered or brutally torn apart. It emphasizes the notion of causing severe harm or destruction.
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wear and tear (on sth)
The idiom "wear and tear (on sth)" refers to the gradual damage or deterioration that occurs to something over time due to regular use or exposure. It represents the cumulative effects of use, friction, or natural aging that result in the gradual decline of the appearance, functionality, or quality of an object or a system.
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tear along
The idiom "tear along" typically refers to someone or something moving hastily or quickly. It implies a sense of speed and energy in one's actions.
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tear sth away
The idiom "tear something away" means to forcefully remove or separate something from another object, usually with great effort or resistance. It implies a vigorous or abrupt action of breaking or pulling something apart in a forceful manner.
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cut/tear sth/sb to ribbons
The idiom "cut/tear sth/sb to ribbons" means to severely damage or destroy something or someone by cutting or tearing them into small pieces or shreds. It is often used to describe extreme physical violence or destruction.
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tear (one's) hair out
The idiom "tear (one's) hair out" means to feel extremely frustrated, exasperated, or distressed about a situation. It implies a sense of helplessness or overwhelming stress.
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tear at heartstrings
The idiom "tear at heartstrings" refers to something, such as a story, situation, or performance, that evokes strong emotions, particularly sadness, sympathy, or compassion. It describes a deeply touching or moving experience that elicits a strong emotional response.
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tear out of
The idiom "tear out of" typically means to rapidly and forcefully depart from a place or situation. It conveys the idea of leaving hurriedly, often with a sense of urgency or agitation.
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tear at
The idiom "tear at" means to forcefully pull or rip something apart, often with a sense of aggression or urgency. It can also be used figuratively to describe the act of emotionally or mentally distressing or tormenting someone.
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tear (sm or sm animal) limb from limb
The idiom "tear (someone or something) limb from limb" refers to an extreme act of aggression or violence, often used metaphorically. It suggests brutalizing or attacking someone or something with great force, causing severe harm or destruction. It can imply a complete dismemberment or tearing apart of the individual or object.
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tear sth off (of) sm or sth
The idiom "tear something off (of) someone or something" generally means to forcefully remove or detach something from someone or something by pulling it with great force.
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tear hair
The idiom "tear hair" typically means to express extreme distress, frustration, or worry about something. It implies that the person is so overwhelmed that they feel like pulling out their own hair in frustration.
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tear off sth
The idiom "tear off something" generally means to forcefully remove or detach something from its original place or position. It implies a rapid or vigorous action of pulling or ripping. This can refer to physical objects such as tearing off a piece of paper, tearing off a corner of a poster, or tearing off a button from a shirt. It can also be used figuratively to describe the sudden termination or separation from something, like tearing off a relationship or tearing off a bandage.
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tear/tug at your heartstrings
The idiom "tear/tug at your heartstrings" refers to something that evokes strong emotions or touches one's deepest feelings or sympathy. It usually describes a situation, story, or image that elicits sadness, compassion, or sentimentality, often leading to tears or a powerful emotional response.
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tear into sm place
The idiom "tear into sm place" typically means to enter or arrive at a location with great energy, enthusiasm, or intensity, often to start doing something with a lot of force or passion.
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tear across
The idiom "tear across" generally means to move at a fast and reckless pace or in a hurry. It refers to someone or something rapidly speeding or racing across a space or area without much concern for obstacles or consequences. This idiom often implies that the movement is vigorous, dynamic, or uncontrolled.
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tear apart sb/sth
The idiom "tear apart sb/sth" means to cause severe damage or destruction, physically or figuratively, to someone or something. It often implies a forceful and aggressive manner of breaking, dismantling, or critiquing someone or something, resulting in significant harm or negative consequences. Additionally, it can refer to causing emotional distress or breaking relationships or connections between people or objects.
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tear down
The idiom "tear down" means to intentionally destroy or dismantle something, often a physical structure or an established system or belief. It can also refer to actively criticizing or disparaging someone or something in order to diminish their reputation or influence.
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tear (one's) heart out
The idiom "tear (one's) heart out" means to cause great emotional pain or agony, often resulting in extreme sadness or distress. It refers to a situation or action that deeply hurts or affects someone's emotions, leaving them feeling devastated or heartbroken.
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tear sth apart
The idiom "tear something apart" means to criticize or scrutinize something or someone severely and destructively. It describes the action of examining or discussing something in a way that highlights flaws, weaknesses, or faults, often resulting in the complete dismantling or discrediting of the subject.
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tear down sb/sth
The idiom "tear down sb/sth" means to criticize, disparage, or belittle someone or something in a harsh or negative way. It refers to criticizing or attacking someone's reputation, character, or achievements, or finding faults or flaws in something such as a concept, idea, or structure.
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tear (one) limb from limb
The idiom "tear (one) limb from limb" means to brutally attack or harm someone by forcefully pulling apart their limbs, usually referring to a person or animal being torn apart in a violent manner. It is often used figuratively to describe someone being severely criticized or treated with extreme hostility.
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tear sth down
The idiom "tear something down" means to completely destroy or demolish a building, structure, or other object. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to dismantling or removing something, typically in a forceful or aggressive manner.
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tear apart
The idiom "tear apart" refers to the act of vigorously separating or disassembling something or someone, often resulting in damaging or destroying them completely. It can also pertain to the process of analyzing or scrutinizing something or someone in a critical and thorough manner.
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tear off a strip
To "tear off a strip" is an idiom that means to scold or strongly reprimand someone for their actions or behavior. It implies delivering a stern and assertive verbal criticism or admonishment.
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tear off
The idiom "tear off" means to quickly or forcefully remove or detach something from a larger piece, often in a hasty or rough manner. It can also refer to someone leaving or departing abruptly or suddenly.
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tear out
The idiom "tear out" refers to the act of forcibly removing something or to remove with great energy or force. It can be used both in a literal sense, such as tearing out a page from a book, or in a figurative sense, such as tearing out hair due to frustration.
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tear sm or sth down
The idiom "tear someone or something down" generally means to criticize, reject, or dismantle someone or something, often with the intention of devaluing or discrediting them. It is commonly used when someone strongly disagrees with or opposes something/someone and takes actions to diminish their credibility, reputation, or physical existence.
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tear a strip off sb
The idiom "tear a strip off someone" means to scold, berate, or criticize someone harshly and angrily. It implies a forceful verbal attack on someone's behavior or actions.
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tear into sm
The idiom "tear into someone or something" means to attack fiercely or criticize someone or something harshly and aggressively. It often implies a great deal of anger and intensity in the attack or criticism.
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tear limb from limb
The idiom "tear limb from limb" means to violently or ferociously attack or defeat someone, often resulting in severe physical harm or destruction. It can also describe tearing or destroying something completely or thoroughly.
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tear into
The idiom "tear into" means to attack or criticize someone or something aggressively or intensely, often in a verbal manner. It suggests a strong and forceful manner of expressing disapproval or anger.
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tear sth up
The idiom "tear something up" typically means to shred or rip something apart forcefully or vigorously. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate destroying, dismantling, or disrupting something completely.
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tear away (from sm or sth)
The idiom "tear away (from someone or something)" means to forcefully or abruptly leave or separate from someone or something. It implies a sudden detachment or separation, often in a reluctant or reluctant manner.
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tear somebody off a strip
The idiom "tear somebody off a strip" means to scold or reprimand someone severely, usually in an angry or harsh manner. It implies that the person doing the scolding is expressing their anger or disappointment strongly and without holding back.
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tear/rip sb/sth to shreds
The idiom "tear/rip sb/sth to shreds" means to criticize or physically destroy someone or something violently and completely. It refers to an intense and merciless attack on a person's or thing's reputation, appearance, skills, or any other aspect that might be subject to criticism. It implies a thorough dismantling or tearing apart, often leaving no part untouched or unharmed.
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tear one's hair
The idiom "tear one's hair" typically means to be extremely upset, frustrated, or panicked about a situation, often to the point of extreme distress.
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It is easier to tear down than to build up.
The idiom "It is easier to tear down than to build up" means that it is often simpler or quicker to destroy or criticize something or someone than it is to create or improve upon it.
This phrase implies that destructive actions, such as tearing down or criticizing, require less effort, skill, or time compared to constructive actions, like building up or creating. It highlights the notion that it is easier to find faults or flaws in something existing rather than investing the necessary resources, patience, and dedication to build or create something new and beneficial.
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tear someone/something apart
The idiom "tear someone/something apart" refers to the act of criticizing, attacking, or destroying someone or something, often in a harsh or severe manner. It can also convey the idea of causing severe emotional distress or turmoil to someone.
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tear to pieces
The idiom "tear to pieces" means to destroy or damage something or someone completely, usually by ripping or shredding it into small fragments. It can also figuratively refer to harshly criticizing or attacking someone verbally or emotionally.
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tear the heart out of (something)
The idiom "tear the heart out of (something)" means to remove the most essential or emotionally significant part of something, typically resulting in the destruction or significant detriment of the whole. It signifies a severe or devastating action that leaves what remains damaged or incomplete.
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tear into sm or sth
The idiom "tear into someone or something" means to criticize or attack someone or something vehemently and aggressively. It refers to a forceful and hostile verbal or physical assault on a person, an idea, an argument, or an action.
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tear at sth
The idiom "tear at something" typically means to pull or snatch at it with force, often in a rough or aggressive manner. It implies tearing or ripping apart through excessive force or an intense desire to acquire or achieve something. It can be used both in a literal sense, such as tearing at a piece of fabric, and in a figurative sense, such as tearing at one's emotions or tearing at the truth.
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tear into sb
The idiom "tear into sb" means to criticize, attack, or verbally assault someone vigorously and aggressively. It refers to expressing anger, frustration, or disapproval towards another person in a confrontational and intense manner.
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tear (someone or some animal) limb from limb
The phrase "tear (someone or some animal) limb from limb" is an idiom used to describe an extremely violent or brutal act of tearing someone or something apart, often by force. It implies a level of aggression or destruction that results in separating their limbs or body parts from the main body, suggesting complete annihilation or severe harm. This expression is typically used figuratively to convey the idea of intense physical or emotional violence.
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tear away
The idiom "tear away" means to forcefully remove or separate something from another object with great speed and force. It can also refer to quickly leaving or distancing oneself from a person or situation.
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tear your hair out
The idiom "tear your hair out" means to feel extreme frustration, stress, or anxiety about a situation or problem. It alludes to the idea of being so distressed that one would physically pull out their own hair.
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tear between
The idiom "tear between" refers to being caught between two conflicting choices or feelings, making it difficult to decide or commit to either option. It implies feeling torn or divided, with a sense of internal conflict or indecisiveness.
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tear off (from sm or sth)
The idiom "tear off (from someone or something)" means to leave abruptly or quickly, often in a highly energetic or forceful manner. It implies the action of forcefully separating oneself from a person or thing.
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tear heart out
The idiom "tear heart out" typically refers to an emotional and painful experience where someone's heart or feelings are deeply wounded or shattered. It suggests intense emotional distress or agony caused by heartbreak, loss, or grief. It can also indicate extreme sadness or suffering.
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tear sm up
The correct idiom is "tear someone up." It means to criticize or berate someone severely, to emotionally or mentally distress or harm someone, or to defeat someone easily and convincingly in a competitive setting.
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tear down sth
The idiom "tear down something" typically means to demolish or destroy a building or structure, often with the intention of building something new in its place. It can also be used metaphorically to describe criticizing or attacking someone or something harshly and ruthlessly.
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tear into sth
The idiom "tear into something" typically means to attack or criticize someone or something vehemently or aggressively. It can also refer to approaching a task, project, or activity with great enthusiasm, energy, or intensity.
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tear sm or sth to pieces
The idiom "tear someone or something to pieces" means to criticize, attack, or destroy someone or something severely and ruthlessly, often verbally or figuratively. It suggests harshly criticizing or condemning someone or something with great intensity or enthusiasm.
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tear sb limb from limb
The idiom "tear sb limb from limb" means to brutally attack or harm someone with excessive force, often resulting in severe injury or complete destruction. It is used figuratively to emphasize extreme violence or aggression towards another person.
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tear sm apart
The idiom "tear someone/something apart" means to criticize, attack or vehemently criticize someone/something, often resulting in complete destruction or ruin. It can also refer to causing severe emotional distress or conflict within a group or relationship, leading to its disintegration.
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tear your hair
The idiom "tear your hair" refers to a situation or experience that is extremely frustrating, distressing, or causing great worry or anxiety. It represents a feeling of extreme exasperation or desperation.
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tear around
The idiom "tear around" means to move or travel quickly and energetically, often with excitement or urgency. It implies a sense of reckless or vigorous activity.
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tear someone a new asshole
The idiom "tear someone a new asshole" is an informal and offensive expression that means to severely criticize, berate, or reprimand someone in a harsh and aggressive manner. It implies forcefully pointing out their mistakes, flaws, or shortcomings, aiming to figuratively create another opening for criticism or admonishment.
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wear and tear
The idiom "wear and tear" refers to the gradual damage or degradation that occurs over time through regular use or the passage of time. It typically describes the normal deterioration of an object or person due to ordinary or unavoidable use, resulting in the need for repair, replacement, or maintenance.
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tear loose
The idiom "tear loose" refers to the act of breaking free or escaping from something or someone forcefully and with great energy or determination. It implies a strong and sudden separation or detachment from a situation, relationship, or constraint.
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tear a place apart
The idiom "tear a place apart" refers to the act of causing extensive damage or destruction to a location. It conveys the idea of completely dismantling or ruining the area, often in a reckless or uncontrolled manner. It can be used metaphorically to describe causing chaos or upheaval in a situation or organization.
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tear on
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tear from
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tear it
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tear/rip the heart out of something
The idiom "tear/rip the heart out of something" means to destroy, damage, or remove the most important or essential part of something, causing it to lose its vitality, spirit, or effectiveness. It can also refer to causing extreme emotional pain or distress.
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tear-jerker
A tear-jerker is a sentimental or emotional story, movie, or event that evokes strong emotions, typically sadness or compassion, causing the viewer or listener to cry or become emotional.
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tear/tug/pull at/on (one's)/the heartstrings
To evoke strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy.
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cut, tear, etc. something to ribbons
To completely destroy or damage something to the point of being in many small pieces.
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rip/tear the heart out of something
To rip/tear the heart out of something means to cause great emotional or physical pain, distress, or destruction to something or someone, often resulting in irreparable damage or loss. It can refer to situations where the most important or vital part of something is taken away or destroyed.
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tear/rip somebody limb from limb
The idiom "tear/rip somebody limb from limb" means to physically attack someone in a violent and brutal manner, often resulting in severe injury or death. It can also be used metaphorically to describe verbally tearing someone apart or criticizing them harshly.
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break/cut/tear (somebody/something) loose from somebody/something
To release or remove someone or something from a particular situation, relationship, or dependency.
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break/cut/tear loose from somebody/something
To break, cut, or tear loose from somebody/something means to separate oneself from a person or situation that is holding one back, restricting one's freedom, or causing harm.
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pick/pull/tear somebody/something to pieces/shreds
To criticize or attack someone or something harshly and severely, often ruining their reputation or credibility.
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tear-jerking
"tear-jerking" is used to describe something, such as a story, movie, or event, that is emotionally affecting and likely to make people cry.
Similar spelling words for TEAR
Conjugate verb Tear
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have torn
you
would have torn
he/she/it
would have torn
we
would have torn
they
would have torn
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been tearing
you
would have been tearing
he/she/it
would have been tearing
we
would have been tearing
they
would have been tearing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would tear
you
would tear
he/she/it
would tear
we
would tear
they
would tear
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be tearing
you
would be tearing
he/she/it
would be tearing
we
would be tearing
they
would be tearing
FUTURE
I
will tear
you
will tear
he/she/it
will tear
we
will tear
they
will tear
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be tearing
you
will be tearing
he/she/it
will be tearing
we
will be tearing
they
will be tearing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have torn
you
will have torn
he/she/it
will have torn
we
will have torn
they
will have torn
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been tearing
you
will have been tearing
he/she/it
will have been tearing
we
will have been tearing
they
will have been tearing
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s tear
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was tearing
you
were tearing
he/she/it
was tearing
we
were tearing
they
were tearing
PAST PARTICIPLE
torn
PAST PERFECT
I
had torn
you
had torn
he/she/it
had torn
we
had torn
they
had torn
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been tearing
you
had been tearing
he/she/it
had been tearing
we
had been tearing
they
had been tearing
PRESENT
I
tear
you
tear
he/she/it
tears
we
tear
they
tear
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am tearing
you
are tearing
he/she/it
is tearing
we
are tearing
they
are tearing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
tearing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have torn
you
have torn
he/she/it
has torn
we
have torn
they
have torn
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been tearing
you
have been tearing
he/she/it
has been tearing
we
have been tearing
they
have been tearing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
tear
SIMPLE PAST
I
tore
you
tore
he/she/it
tore
we
tore
they
tore
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