a hole or split in something caused by it having been pulled apart forcefully:there was a tear in her frock
ზმნა
Universal
1 [with object and adverbial] pull (something) apart or to pieces with force:I tore up the letter figurativea nation torn asunder by political pressures
remove by pulling forcefully:he tore up the floorboards
[with object] make a hole or split in (something) by pulling it or piercing it with a sharp implement:she was always tearing her clothes
make (a hole or split) in something by force:the blast tore a hole in the wall
[no object] come apart; rip:the material wouldn’t tear
[with object] damage (a muscle or ligament) by overstretching it:he tore a ligament playing squash
2 [no object, with adverbial of direction] informal move very quickly in a reckless or excited manner:she tore along the footpath on her bike
3 (be torn) be in a state of uncertainty between two conflicting options or parties:he was torn between his duty and his better instincts
tear one's hair out
informal feel extreme desperation:dealers are tearing their hair out trying to match customers with cars
tear someone off a strip (or tear a strip off someone)
British informal rebuke someone angrily:when he realized it was all a put-up job he tore a strip off Julie
that's torn it
British informal used to express dismay when something unfortunate has happened to disrupt one’s plans:Oops, that’s torn it. Costa Rica have scored again
tear someone/thing apart
1destroy something, especially good relations between people:a bloody civil war had torn the country apart
2upset someone greatly:stop crying—it’s tearing me apart
3criticize someone or something harshly:Mum tore us apart with a real tongue-lashing
tear oneself away
[often with negative] leave despite a strong desire to stay:she couldn’t tear herself away from the view
tear someone/thing down
1demolish something, especially a building:they tore down an old barn for lumber
2US informal criticize or punish someone severely:they tear a man down and threaten him and then they give him another chance
tear into
1attack verbally:she tore into him: ‘Don’t you realize what you’ve done to me?’
2make an energetic or enthusiastic start on:a jazz trio are tearing into the tune with gusto
