Phrasal verb
tear up
Meanings
To rip something into pieces, especially paper.
To destroy a document by ripping it, often so it cannot be used.
To begin to cry; to have eyes fill with tears because of emotion.
Definition
To tear up means to rip something into pieces.
To tear up usually means to rip paper, cloth, or another material into smaller pieces, often quickly or angrily. It can also mean to destroy a document by ripping it, or to begin to cry so your eyes fill with tears. The meaning is usually clear from the context.
Examples
- I tore up the old grocery list and started a new one.
- You might tear up when you watch that farewell scene.
- He tore up the letter before anyone could read it.
- She began to tear up during her speech.
- They tore up the flyer because it was outdated.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "tear up" (rip) with "tear" as the noun for crying and say "tear down" when they mean ripping paper.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.