# tearing

/ˈtɛɹɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈeəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tearing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. physical damage

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The tearing of the paper made a loud noise in the quiet library.
- The surgeon noted that the tearing of the ligament was extensive, requiring a complex reconstructive procedure rather than a simple repair.

### 2. crying or watering eyes

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

### 3. very fast

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

moving with great speed or force.

For teachers: characterised by extreme haste or violent speed.

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

## Examples

- He felt a sharp, tearing pain in his leg during the race.
- The patient described a sudden, tearing sensation in his chest, which led the doctors to suspect a serious heart issue.
- While dull aches are common after exercise, a sharp, tearing sensation usually indicates a structural injury to the muscle fibers or connective tissue that requires immediate medical attention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.