Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove something by pulling or ripping it violently and with force, often causing damage or separation from a larger object.
   • To depart or leave a place very quickly and abruptly.

Usage

• The primary meaning involves a forceful, often destructive, act of removal.
• The secondary meaning of a rapid departure is informal.

Examples

• Primary Meaning (Forceful Removal):
  • The storm tore off several roof tiles.
  • He angrily tore off the price tag from the gift.
• Secondary Meaning (Rapid Departure):
  • I have to tear off to my next meeting.
  • She tore off down the street after hearing the news.

Advanced Usage

• "to tear off a strip (from someone)" (UK, informal): To reprimand or criticize someone severely.
  • The manager tore off a strip from the team for their poor performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Tearaway (n, chiefly UK): A person who behaves in a wild or reckless manner.
• Tear (v): The base verb meaning to pull apart or into pieces by force.

Synonyms

• Rip off: To remove by tearing.
• Wrench off: To pull or twist off violently.
• Dash off: To leave quickly (for the secondary meaning).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Tear into: To criticize someone or something harshly; or to begin doing something with great energy.
  • He tore into the report as soon as he received it.
• Tear apart: To destroy something by tearing it into pieces; to cause severe emotional distress.
  • The scandal tore the family apart.
• Tear up: To rip something into pieces.
  • She tore up the letter and threw it away.

Related Idioms

• Tear someone off a strip: (See 'Advanced Usage' above).
• Tear up the rulebook: To reject or ignore the usual rules or conventions.
  • The innovative company tore up the rulebook for the industry.

Verb

1. rip off violently and forcefully
   • The passing bus tore off her side mirror