tear meaning and definition

TEAR noun

Definition of tear (noun)

1. a drop of the clear salty saline solution secreted by the lacrimal glands
   • "his story brought tears to her eyes"
   • synonyms: teardrop
2. an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart
   • "there was a rip in his pants"; "she had snags in her stockings"
   • synonyms: rent, rip, snag, split
3. an occasion for excessive eating or drinking
   • "they went on a bust that lasted three days"
   • synonyms: binge, bout, bust
4. the act of tearing
   • "he took the manuscript in both hands and gave it a mighty tear"

TEAR verb

Definition of tear (verb)

1. separate or cause to separate abruptly
   • "The rope snapped"; "tear the paper"
   • synonyms: bust, rupture, snap
2. to separate or be separated by force
   • "planks were in danger of being torn from the crossbars"
3. move quickly and violently
   • "The car tore down the street"; "He came charging into my office"
   • synonyms: buck, charge, shoot, shoot down
4. strip of feathers
   • "pull a chicken"; "pluck the capon"
   • synonyms: deplumate, deplume, displume, pluck, pull
5. fill with tears or shed tears
   • "Her eyes were tearing"