tear away
B1 informal separable both
In simple words
To rip something off, or to make yourself stop doing something you really don't want to stop.
Literal meaning: To rip something away from the surface it is attached to.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To remove something by ripping it away from where it is fixed.
"She carefully tore away the wrapping paper to reveal the gift inside."
Grammar: separable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To force yourself or someone else to leave a place or stop an activity, even though you don't want to.
"The kids were so absorbed in the game that we couldn't tear them away for dinner."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Frequently used reflexively: 'I couldn't tear myself away.' Also used for physically removing something by tearing. The reflexive emotional sense is very idiomatic and common.
Commonly used with
screen television book game label poster
Forms
Base
tear away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tears away
he/she/it
Past simple
tore away
yesterday
Past participle
torn away
have + pp
-ing form
tearing away
continuous
Understand "tear away" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "tear away" on Looplines