Torn

verb

/tɔːn/

Word Frequency: 9.3

Definitions

1.verbTo rend (a solid material) by holding or restraining in two places and pulling apart, whether intentionally or not; to destroy or separate.

"He tore his coat on the nail."

2.verbTo injure as if by pulling apart.

"He has a torn ligament."

3.verbTo destroy or reduce abstract unity or coherence, such as social, political or emotional.

"He was torn by conflicting emotions."

4.verbTo make (an opening) with force or energy.

"A piece of debris tore a tiny straight channel through the satellite."

5.verb(often with off or out) To remove by tearing.

"Tear the coupon out of the newspaper."

6.verb(of structures, with down) To demolish

"The slums were torn down to make way for the new development."

7.verbTo become torn, especially accidentally.

"My dress has torn."

8.verbTo move or act with great speed, energy, or violence.

"He tore into the backlog of complaints."

9.verbTo smash or enter something with great force.

"The chain shot tore into the approaching line of infantry."