Tear/ter,terz,tɔːr,tɔːrn,ˈterɪŋ/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Intensity Used to express strong emotions or dramatic actions in arguments or conflicts. They tore into each other's arguments fiercely. Pro Tip 2/2Physical Destruction Implies physical destruction, often with hands, and without tools. Unable to open the package, he tore it apart.