8 English Phrasal Verbs With 'TEAR'

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We have definitions for 8 phrasal verbs with 'TEAR'

8 phrasal verbs with 'TEAR'

Tear apart

  1. Disturb or upset greatly
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: People were TORN APART when news of the train crash came through.

Tear at

  1. Pull or try to pull something to pieces
    (Inseparable | International English)
    » Example: The fighters TORE AT each other.

Tear away

  1. Stop someone doing something unwillingly
    (Inseparable | International English)
    » Example: I had to TEAR him AWAY from the office for dinner.
  2. Remove a surface violently
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: The roof was TORN AWAY in the hurricane.

Tear down

  1. Demolish
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: The estate was TORN DOWN so that they could develop the land into luxury flats.

Tear into

  1. Criticise strongly or angrily
    (Inseparable | International English)
    » Example: She TORE INTO me for losing it.

Tear off

  1. Remove part of a form or letter using your hands, not scissors
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: She TORE the slip OFF the bottom of the form and sent it with her cheque.
  2. Leave at high speed
    (Intransitive | International English)
    » Example: The police TORE OFF in their car after arresting her.
  3. Remove with force
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: The storm TORE the roof OFF.
  4. Remove completely
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: She TORE OFF the ticket, leaving only the stub.

Tear out

  1. Depart rapidly
    (Intransitive | International English)
    » Example: The sheriff TORE OUT after the escaping criminals.

Tear up

  1. Rip into pieces
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: He TORE the fax UP and threw the bits of paper in the bin.
  2. Destroy
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: They are TEARING UP the old part of town to build a new shopping centre.
  3. Have eyes fill with tears
    (Intransitive | International English)
    » Example: After hearing the tragic news he TEARED UP and could hardly speak.

Take our Exercise on 'TEAR'

Quiz for Verb: 'To TEAR'

Choose the correct definition for each phrasal verb...

'Tear down' means...

'Tear up' means...

'Tear up' means...

'Tear away' means...

'Tear out' means...

'Tear off' means...

'Tear into' means...

'Tear away' means...

'Tear off' means...

'Tear apart' means...

 

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