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tear at

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tear at someone or something

to rip at someone or something; to try to tear someone or something up. The badger tore at me, but I dodged it and ran away fast. Timmy tore at the package, struggling to get the paper off.

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tear at something

to cause you to feel emotional There are scenes in this movie that tear at my heart because they are just like scenes from my life.

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tear at

1. Pull at or attack violently, as in Jane eagerly tore at the wrapping paper, or The dog tore at the meat. [Mid-1800s]

2. Distress, as in Their plight tore at his heart.

See also: tear

tear at

v.

1. To pull at or attack something violently: The dog tore at the meat.

2. To distress someone or something greatly: Their sad story tore at my heart. When I told a lie, it tore at my conscience.

See also: tear