1 B2 neutral
To pull, scratch, or claw repeatedly at something with force.
"The trapped animal tore desperately at the netting with its claws."
inseparable
tear at
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To pull or claw at something repeatedly, or to cause persistent emotional pain.
In plain English
To keep pulling and ripping at something, or to keep hurting someone's feelings inside.
What does "tear at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To cause persistent emotional distress or guilt.
"The memory of what he had said tore at her for weeks afterward."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rip or pull forcefully at the surface of something.
Actually means
To keep pulling and ripping at something, or to keep hurting someone's feelings inside.
Usage tip
Often used for repeated or ongoing physical pulling (animals tearing at prey) or for a persistent, nagging emotional feeling. Less common in everyday speech than 'tear apart'.
Words that pair with "tear at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
flesh clothing heart conscience wound fabric
How to conjugate "tear at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tear at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tears at
he/she/it
Past simple
tore at
yesterday
Past participle
torn at
have + pp
-ing form
tearing at
continuous
Hear "tear at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tear at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tear at"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
claw at gnaw at pull at rip at tug at
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