B1verbhome
US/ter/
UK/teə/
to pull something apart so that it breaks into pieces or gets a hole
More often (noun): a drop of water that comes from your eye when you cry
In context
She tore the letter into small pieces and threw it in the bin.
Be careful, or you will tear your shirt on that nail.
The strong wind had torn the plastic roof off the food stall.
Words that go with tear
verb + adverb
- tear upPlease tear up the old bills before you throw them away.
- tear apartArguments about money can tear apart even close families.
- tear downThe city plans to tear down the old market and build a mall.
- tear openThe kids couldn't wait to tear open their red envelopes at Tet.
- tear offTear off the bottom of the form and keep it.
verb + noun
- tear a muscleWarm up properly, or you could tear a muscle in your leg.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I teared the paper.Correct: I tore the paper.