tearing

¹ American  

[tair-ing] / ˈtɛər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. violent or hasty.

   with tearing speed.

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tearing ² American  

[teer-ing] / ˈtɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. shedding tears. tear.

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tearing British  

/ ˈtɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. violent or furious (esp in the phrase tearing hurry or rush )

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Other Word Forms

• tearingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of tearing¹

First recorded in 1600–10; tear ² + -ing ²

Origin of tearing¹

before 1000; Old English tæherende (not recorded in ME); tear ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Strikes have led to rubbish piling up, with uncollected waste several feet high in some streets in the first few months, amid complaints of rats, foxes and seagulls tearing open plastic bags.

From BBC

"He's used to many a young pup tearing in and trying to let him have it," was Agnew's description of Richards defending his first ball on the back foot.

From BBC

By 1860, hundreds of thousands had been moved southward, tearing apart families while fueling the Cotton Kingdom.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts," the premier said in a video statement, referring to the split between his supporters and opponents.

From Barron's

"The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts."

From Barron's

Related Words

• agonizing
• chilling
• distressing
• disturbing
• excruciating
• heart-wrenching
• heartbreaking
• painful
• terrifying
• torturous
• traumatic