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Synonyms & Similar Words
Meaning of Tear
The primary meaning of the word "Tear" is to pull or pull apart, especially with force, or to become torn.
Definitions
- To pull or pull apart, especially with force, so as to cause something to become torn or separated
- To become torn or separated, especially as a result of force or violence
- A drop of liquid that falls from the eye as a result of emotion or irritation
- A torn or ragged place in something, especially in fabric
Etymology of Tear
The word "Tear" has its roots in Old English "tear" or "tor", which is also related to the Old Norse "tar" and the Gothic "tagr", all of which are thought to have been derived from the Proto-Germanic "teriz" and the Proto-Indo-European "der-" which meant "to tear" or "to split"
Historically, the word "Tear" has been used in English since the 9th century, initially to describe the act of pulling or rending something apart, and later to describe the drop of liquid that falls from the eye as a result of emotion or irritation
Example Uses
- The fabric will tear if you pull it too hard
- She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she said goodbye
- The tear in the page made it difficult to read
- The hikers had to navigate through the dense forest, careful not to tear their clothes on the thorns