verb to rip or shred into pieces
adverb in a manner that causes tearing or ripping
To tear up can be used to describe the act of crying or becoming emotional.
In the field of arts and crafts, tearing up paper is a technique used for creating textured effects.
In the context of tearing up documents or tearing up a piece of clothing in anger or frustration.
In a professional context, 'tear up' may be used by a writer to describe the act of discarding or destroying a draft or manuscript that is no longer needed or satisfactory. It can also refer to the act of revising or editing a piece of writing extensively.
Psychologists may use 'tear up' metaphorically to describe the process of breaking down emotional barriers or defenses in therapy sessions. It can also be used to describe the act of confronting and addressing deep-seated emotional issues.
Teachers may use 'tear up' to describe the act of tearing up a student's assignment or test that does not meet the required standards. It can also be used to describe the act of tearing up old materials or resources to make room for new ones.
Lawyers may use 'tear up' to describe the act of aggressively dismantling an opponent's argument or case during a trial or legal proceeding. It can also be used to describe the act of invalidating a contract or agreement due to legal issues.