The phrase "tearing asunder" is commonly used to describe something that is being ripped apart with great force. The word "tearing" is spelled with a long "e" sound (tɛərɪŋ) and a silent "r" at the end. The word "asunder" is spelled with a short "a" sound (əˈsʌndər) and a stress on the second syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced as "tɛərɪŋ əˈsʌndər," with the stress on the second word. This phrase is often used in dramatic or poetic contexts to express a powerful feeling of separation or destruction.
Tearing asunder is an idiomatic expression derived from the verb "to tear," which traditionally refers to the act of forcefully and rapidly pulling something apart. In a figurative sense, tearing asunder denotes a process or action of vigorously separating or dividing something, often resulting in its complete destruction or fragmentation.
This phrase is frequently employed to describe a scenario where a strong force or intense emotional experience causes a significant rupture or disintegration in a particular entity or relationship. The term emphasizes the powerful and forceful nature of this separation, suggesting a violent tearing apart that has profound and lasting consequences.
The concept of tearing asunder can be applied to various contexts, encompassing both physical and abstract elements. For instance, it might be used to depict the violent splitting of a tangible object into separate parts or to describe the forceful severance of personal ties between individuals, such as a breakup or a falling out between friends. Additionally, tearing asunder can pertain to the dissolution of institutions, the destruction of societal norms, or the disintegration of political alliances, among other things.
Overall, the phrase tearing asunder conveys a sense of drastic and forceful division, highlighting the irrevocable nature of the separation and the often disruptive aftermath that follows.
The phrase "tearing asunder" is derived from the Middle English word "tornen" (which means "to tear") and the Old English word "asundor" (which means "apart" or "separate").
The word "tornen" itself has its roots in the Old Norse word "torna", which has the same meaning. Meanwhile, "asundor" is a combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "on", "in", or "into") and the word "sundor" (which means "apart").
Therefore, the phrase "tearing asunder" originated from the combination of the verb "to tear" and the adverb "asunder", ultimately conveying the action of forcibly separating something into two or more pieces.