Meaning & use
tear
For the eyes to fill with liquid, especially from strong emotion or irritation.
See it in a sentence
Her eyes teared up as she watched the emotional finale of the film.
The onion made his eyes tear almost instantly as he chopped it.
A note on using this word
This sense of tear, rhyming with 'here,' differs from the unrelated verb meaning 'to rip,' which rhymes with 'air.'
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To pull apart or rip something forcefully, often causing damage.
He accidentally tore the wrapping paper while opening his birthday present.
3. noun
A drop of clear liquid that flows from the eye, often from emotion.
A single tear rolled down her cheek during the touching speech.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tear”, then compare your use with the examples above.