Dictionary definition · tear
noun
- a drop of the clear salty saline solution secreted by the lacrimal glands"his story brought tears to her eyes"
- an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart"there was a rip in his pants"
- an occasion for excessive eating or drinking"they went on a bust that lasted three days"
- the act of tearing"he took the manuscript in both hands and gave it a mighty tear"
verb
- separate or cause to separate abruptly"The rope snapped"
- fill with tears or shed tears"Her eyes were tearing"
- to separate or be separated by force"planks were in danger of being torn from the crossbars"
- move quickly and violently"The car tore down the street"
- strip of feathers"pull a chicken"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).