Collins English-English Dictionary

tear [tɪə]

1. 1. n a drop of the secretion of the lacrimal glands - See tears

2. 2. n Also called teardrop

3. 3. n something shaped like a hanging drop

   a tear of amber

4. 4. n [Etymology] Old English tear, related to Old Frisian, Old Norse tar, Old High German zahar, Greek dakri

tear [tεə]

1. 1. vb to cause (material, paper, etc) to come apart or (of material, etc) to come apart; rip

2. 2. vt. [tr] to make (a hole or split) in (something)

   to tear a hole in a dress

3. 3. vi. [intr; often foll by along] to hurry or rush

   to tear along the street

4. 4. vt. [tr; usually foll by away or from] to remove or take by force

5. 5. vt. [when intr, often foll by at] to cause pain, distress, or anguish (to)

   it tore at my heartstrings to see the starving child

6. 6. n a hole, cut, or split

7. 7. n the act of tearing

8. 8. n a great hurry; rush

9. 9. n See also tear away tear down tear into tear off torn

10. 10. n [Etymology] Old English teran; related to Old Saxon terian, Gothic gatairan to destroy, Old High German zeran to destroy