tear

[US]/tɪə(r)/
[UK]/tɪr/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

v. rip apart, pull out, injure by pulling, run wildly, shed tears
n. liquid from eyes, opening or hole

Phrases & Collocations

tear drops

tear stains

tearful eyes

tear ducts

shed tears

in tears

wear and tear

tear gas

tear down

tear off

tear strength

tear and wear

tear up

shed a tear

bitter tears

hot tear

tear resistance

without tears

tear into

tear out

tear drop

full tear

tear tape

tear away

Example Sentences

a hokey tear jerker.

tear an argument to shreds

be in a tearing hurry

tear down an engine.

in a tearing hurry.

to tear up the letter

to tear up the newspaper

tears of fury and frustration.

there are no tears, no recriminations.

their tears are a bit synthetic.

tear down old tenements.

This material tears easily.

Tears are secreted by the tear glands.

the whole piazza was choky with tear gas.

tears did fill mine eyes.

the film is overladen with tear-jerking moments.

Real-world Examples

I try hard to keep back my tears.

Source: New Horizons College English Third Edition Reading and Writing Course (Volume 1)

I want you to embrace the emotion and embrace the tears.

Source: Tips for Men's Self-Improvement

Why are my eyes always brimming with tears?

Source: Selected Literary Poems

Usually brash and confident, he held back tears acknowledging defeat.

Source: NPR News Summary December 2016

The two embraced and shed many tears, recounting stories told to them about their parents.

Source: CET-6 Listening Past Exam Questions (with Translations)

You can't shed a tear for your dead wife?

Source: Friends Season 6

Moments after resigning, Clinton choke back tears in her goodbye.

Source: NPR News February 2013 Collection

She burst into tears. Tears answered her.

Source: The machine has stopped operating.

Then the Machine will be torn apart.

Source: American TV series Person of Interest Season 4

Ionizing radiation tears the cellular structure apart.

Source: CHERNOBYL HBO

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