Meaning
The phrasal verb “tear up” has two main meanings depending on the context:
- To rip something into pieces – usually paper or a document.
- To become emotional and start to cry – when tears fill the eyes.
Grammar and Usage
- tear up + object (transitive): to destroy by ripping into pieces. Example: She tore up the letter.
- tear up (intransitive): to become emotional, usually when about to cry. Example: He tore up during the speech.
Verb form: tear (present) – tore (past) – torn (past participle)
Common Phrases
- tear up a contract – cancel or destroy an agreement.
- tear up the paper – rip into pieces.
- tear up with joy/sadness – start to cry because of emotion.
Collocations
- tear up + agreement/document/letter
- tear up + speech notes
- tear up with + happiness/anger/emotion
Examples
- She tore up the old photographs because they brought back painful memories.
- He tore up the contract when he found out about the hidden fees.
- The little boy tore up his homework by mistake.
- I started to tear up when I heard the sad news.
- He tore up with joy after winning the championship.
- The actor tore up during the moving scene.
- She tore up the letter without even reading it.
- His eyes tore up when he said goodbye to his family.
Synonyms or Related
- rip up (for destroying paper)
- cry, weep, get emotional (for starting to cry)
Antonym
- preserve, keep, save (opposite of destroy by ripping)
- hold back tears, stay composed (opposite of tear up with emotion)