uptear

[uhp-tair]

verb (used with object)

uptore, uptorn, uptearing. 

1. to wrench or tear out by or as if by the roots or foundations; destroy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uptear¹

First recorded in 1585–95; up- + tear ²

Example Sentences

Uptear, up-tār′, v.t. to tear up.

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If in the boor’s garden the King eats a pear, His servants rapacious the tree will uptear; For every five eggs he gives bounteously, more Than five hundred fowls will his armies devour.

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Go, sister, meekly tell the haughty foe, Not I at Aulis with the Greeks did swear To smite the Trojans and their towers o'erthrow, Nor sought his father's ashes to uptear.

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He is weak, very old—he can scarcely uptear A young pine-tree for staff since his legs cease to bear; But here's to replace him!—I can toy with his axe; As I sit on the hill my feet swing in the flax, And my knee caps the boulders and troubles the trees.

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