Definition

Adjective 1. Damaged by being pulled apart; having a rip or split: Describes something, typically fabric or paper, that has been divided into parts by force, resulting in a jagged or uneven edge. 2. Divided or conflicted in emotions or loyalties: Describes a state of inner conflict where a person feels pulled in opposing directions by strong feelings, obligations, or beliefs.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Physical Damage):

  • He wore a torn jacket.
  • The page was old and torn.
  • She repaired the torn seam on her dress.

• Adjective (Emotional Conflict):

  • She felt torn between her career and her family.
  • He was torn by feelings of guilt.
  • A nation torn by civil war.

Advanced Usage

• "torn between (A) and (B)": A common structure to express being unable to choose between two conflicting options.
  • I'm torn between the chocolate cake and the cheesecake.
• "torn apart": Can describe something physically ripped into pieces or a group of people emotionally separated by conflict.
  • The letter was torn apart in anger.
  • The community was torn apart by the scandal.

Variants and Related Words

• Tear (verb): /ter/ To pull or rip something apart or into pieces. This is the action that creates the state of being "torn."
  • Be careful not to tear the paper.
• Tear (noun): /tɪr/ A drop of liquid from the eye. (This is a homograph with a different pronunciation and meaning).
• Tattered (adj): Old and torn; in ragged condition.
  • A tattered flag fluttered in the wind.

Synonyms

• Ripped: Similar to "torn," often used for fabric.
• Shredded: Torn into long, thin strips.
• Split: Divided, often along a line or seam.
• Divided: In conflict or separated (for the emotional sense).
• Conflicted: Experiencing opposing feelings.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb "tear")

• Tear up: To rip something into many small pieces.
  • She tore up the rejection letter.
• Tear down: To destroy or demolish a structure.
  • They plan to tear down the old building.
• Tear off: To remove something by pulling it quickly and forcefully.
  • He tore off the price tag.
• Tear away: To leave very quickly and eagerly.
  • The kids tore away from the table to go play.

Related Idioms

• Wear and tear: The damage that happens to an object through ordinary use over time.
  • The sofa shows signs of normal wear and tear.
• Tear one's hair out: To be extremely worried, anxious, or frustrated.
  • I've been tearing my hair out trying to solve this problem.

Adjective

1. disrupted by the pull of contrary forces
   • torn between love and hate
   • torn by conflicting loyalties
   • torn by religious dissensions
2. having edges that are jagged from injury