rend
verb (used with object)
to separate into parts with force or violence.
had been rending
-
past perfect progressiveof rend.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Indeed, the shrill notes of an amateur soprano had been rending the air throughout, but they had scarcely penetrated through his exaltation.
From Ghetto Comedies by Israel Zangwill
Jealousy—bitter jealousy; that was what had been rending her heart, he knew.
From The Second Honeymoon by Ruby M. (Ruby Mildred) Ayres
Sigismund, whose aid the king secured in return for help in putting an end to the scandalous “great schism” which had been rending the Western Church for so many years.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 5 English History by Various
