Tearing

/ˈtɪrɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of tearing something.

There was a tearing sound as the fabric ripped.

A physical split or break in something.

The document had a tearing at the edge where it had been mishandled.

verb

Present participle of tear; to pull apart or separate into pieces by force.

She was tearing the paper into small pieces to recycle it.

To cause to come apart or detach as a result of stress.

The heavy wind was tearing the branches off the trees.

To move quickly and with force, often in a reckless manner.

He came tearing down the street on his bicycle.

Derived from the Old English 'teran', meaning 'to tear apart or rend'.

tear it up

To perform with great energy or enthusiasm.

tearing down the house

To create a lively or exciting atmosphere.

to be torn between

To be in a state of indecision or conflict.

tear

To rip or pull apart.

ripping

The action of ripping.

shred

To tear or cut into thin strips.

To engage in wild or reckless activity.

We were tearing through the city last night.

To hustle or move quickly.

He was tearing through his homework.