rip
verb (used with object)
to cut or tear apart in a rough or vigorous manner.
were ripping
-
past progressiveof rip.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
By now, rumors were ripping through the neighborhood.
From Slate ● Mar. 25, 2026
Police took several protesters into custody and were ripping down some of the tents and barriers.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2024
The Seattle favorites were ripping through one of the hottest rock shows of the summer in predictably mighty fashion.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 3, 2023
"They were ripping up the the track just behind it as the last car came off. It was terrible," he said.
From BBC ● Dec. 11, 2016
I was less vocal about the crap weather, was more concerned with how close and how fast the cars were ripping past us.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
