tear up

verb

tore up; torn up; tearing up; tears up

transitive verb

1
: to damage, remove, or effect an opening in
tore up the street to lay a new water main
2
: to perform or compete with great success on, in, or against
couples tearing up the dance floor
a batter who's tearing up the league

Examples of tear up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Surprised at the news, and after a Neon representative explained it further, Reinsve, 37, became visibly moved and began to tear up. Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 In the midst of Saturday Night Live's recent cast shakeup, Devon Walker doesn't seem too torn up about bidding Studio 8H farewell. Shania Russell, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Everyone wants another moment like Brendan Fraser tearing up at The Whale screening. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2025 Leaders can create paths that allow mid-career employees to stretch without tearing up their history. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tear up

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tear up was in 1620

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Cite this Entry

“Tear up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tear%20up. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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