To Tear

from Proto-Germanic *teraną (“to tear, tear apart, rip”), from Proto-Indo-European *der- (“to tear, tear apart”).

1. (transitive) To rend (a solid material) by holding or restraining in two places and pulling apart, whether intentionally or not; to destroy or To Separate.
2. (transitive) To injure as if by pulling apart.
3. (transitive) To destroy or reduce abstract unity or coherence, such as social, political or emotional.
4. (transitive) To make (an opening) with force or energy.
5. (transitive, often with off or out) To remove by tearing, or with sudden great force.
6. (transitive, of structures, with down) To demolish.
7. (intransitive) To become torn, especially accidentally.
8. (intransitive) To move or act with great speed, energy, or violence.
9. (intransitive) To smash or enter something with great force.
10. (computing, intransitive) To be interrupted midway through.

Synonyms

• (break): To Rend, rip
• (remove by tearing): rip out, tear off, tear out