Tear at
verb
To pull or rip something in a violent or forceful way.
The dog began to tear at the meat.
Often appears as...
- tear at clothes
- tear at heart
verb
To cause emotional pain, distress or torment.
The guilt was tearing at him.
Often appears as...
- tear at conscience
- tear at heart
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To pull or rip something in a violent or forceful way.
The dog began to tear at the meat.
Often appears as...
- tear at clothes
- tear at heart
verb
To cause emotional pain, distress or torment.
The guilt was tearing at him.
Often appears as...
- tear at conscience
- tear at heart
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Violent Action
Indicates aggressive pulling or ripping, often associated with damage or destruction.
The hurricane's winds began to tear at the rooftops.
Pro Tip 2/3Intense Struggle
Suggests a struggle or effort to separate something with force or urgency.
During the rescue, firefighters had to tear at the debris to reach the survivors.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
Can imply an underlying emotional reason for a physically violent action.
In her anger, she began to tear at the letters he had sent her.
Pro Tip 1/3Violent Action
Indicates aggressive pulling or ripping, often associated with damage or destruction.
The hurricane's winds began to tear at the rooftops.
Pro Tip 2/3Intense Struggle
Suggests a struggle or effort to separate something with force or urgency.
During the rescue, firefighters had to tear at the debris to reach the survivors.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
Can imply an underlying emotional reason for a physically violent action.
In her anger, she began to tear at the letters he had sent her.
Pro Tip 1/3Violent Action
Indicates aggressive pulling or ripping, often associated with damage or destruction.
The hurricane's winds began to tear at the rooftops.
Pro Tip 2/3Intense Struggle
Suggests a struggle or effort to separate something with force or urgency.
During the rescue, firefighters had to tear at the debris to reach the survivors.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
Can imply an underlying emotional reason for a physically violent action.
In her anger, she began to tear at the letters he had sent her.
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