What does "tearing" mean?

1. (physical damage) the act of pulling something apart or a hole made by pulling. 2. (crying or watering eyes) the production of tears in your eyes, often because of pain or irritation. 3. (very fast) moving with great speed or force.

How do you use "tearing"?

Often used as an uncountable noun in medical contexts. Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'in a tearing hurry'.

tearing

n. · adj.

US //ˈtɛɹɪŋ// UK //tˈeəɹɪŋ// tear·ing

1 physical damage (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of pulling something apart or a hole made by pulling.

the act of pulling something apart by force or the resulting laceration.

Example

The tearing of the paper made a loud noise in the quiet library.

Example

The surgeon noted that the tearing of the ligament was extensive, requiring a complex reconstructive procedure rather than a simple repair.
- ripping
- laceration
- shredding
- mending
- repairing
2 crying or watering eyes (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the production of tears in your eyes, often because of pain or irritation.

the physiological process of shedding tears, often as a response to irritation or emotional distress.

Example

The cold wind caused constant tearing and made it hard to see.

Example

Excessive tearing in the left eye may indicate a blocked tear duct or a chronic inflammatory response to environmental allergens.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in medical contexts.
- watering
- lacrimation
- dryness

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3 very fast (adj.)
C1 Advanced Informal

moving with great speed or force.

characterised by extreme haste or violent speed.

Example

He was in a tearing hurry to catch the last train home.

Example

The car went past at a tearing pace, barely slowing down as it navigated the narrow residential corners.

Usage

Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'in a tearing hurry'.
- rushing
- speeding
- breakneck
- crawling
- slow