tears

/ tɪəz /

plural noun

1. the clear salty solution secreted by the lacrimal glands that lubricates and cleanses the surface of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids

2. a state of intense frustration (esp in the phrase bored to tears )

3. weeping

4. presented so as to be easily assimilated

   reading without tears

Idioms and Phrases

see bore to death (tears); burst into (tears); crocodile tears. Also see under tear.

Example Sentences

Nadine Young, Young’s grandmother, cried out and burst into tears when the verdict was read.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Rattana-anun, who often accompanies his clients to the Department of Public Social Services to help them enroll in Medi-Cal, said it sometimes takes begging, tears and luck to get approved.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Concerned that Danielle might get kicked out if her focus didn’t improve, her mother broke into tears and agreed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In nature, dIgA is produced as part of the immune system and is released into tears, saliva and mucus as an early defense against pathogens.

Read more on Science Daily

Blood and tears - what can England expect in Perth this time?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• break 
• crack 
• damage 
• divide 
• grab 
• injure 
• mangle 
• pull 
• rive 
• rupture 
• separate 
• sever 
• shred 
• slash 
• snatch 
• split 
• wrench 
• yank