tear at
The phrase "tear at" can describe both physical actions and emotional experiences, often involving force or distress.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)To pull or rip something with great force.
Example
- The dog tore at the cushion, scattering stuffing everywhere.
- She tore at the package, eager to see what was inside.
B2Emotional
(figurative)To cause significant emotional pain or distress.
Example
- The sad news tore at his heart, leaving him feeling desolate.
- Watching the heartbreaking scene tore at her emotions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tear at":
tear aparttear uptear awaytear offrip intotear it upeat away atrip uptear alongrip outrip to shredstear downpick aparttore uppick atpaw atpull apartcome apartin tatterstear lineon a tearpeel awaypeck atfall apartbreak aparttake apartclaw off