Looking for the meaning of the word TEAR in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of TEAR with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: Tear
Speech Type: Verb
Old English teran, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch teren and German zehren, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek derein ‘flay’. The noun dates from the early 17th century
tɛː
pull (something) apart or to pieces with force
Short Definition:pull something apart or to pieces with force
Examples:- I tore up the letter
- a nation torn asunder by political pressures
move very quickly in a reckless or excited manner
Short Definition:move very quickly in reckless or excited manner
Examples:- she tore along the footpath on her bike
be in a state of uncertainty between two conflicting options or parties
Short Definition:be in state of uncertainty between two conflicting options or parties
Examples:- he was torn between his duty and his better instincts
- I'm torn and I'm confused
Word: Tear
Speech Type: Noun
tɛː
a hole or split in something caused by it having been pulled apart forcefully
Short Definition:hole or split in something
Examples:- there was a tear in her dress
a brief spell of erratic or unrestrained behaviour; a binge or spree
Short Definition:brief spell of unrestrained behaviour
Examples:- one of my drinking buddies came for the weekend and we went on a tear
In Word Games
Scramble Word Scores
Words with Friends
✅ Available
Score: 4
SOWPODS
✅ Available
Score: 4
OTCWL
✅ Available
Score: 4
