torn

[tɔːn]

[tɔɹn]

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Torn refers to something that's been pulled apart or separated into pieces. It can also mean feeling sad and unhappy because of a painful situation.

When we say someone's life is torn apart by a difficult experience, it means their whole world has been turned upside down. Imagine losing your home in a natural disaster - everything you knew would be gone, and your sense of security would be shattered. That's what "torn" might mean in this context. It's not just about physical things being broken or damaged, but also the emotional impact it can have on people. For example, if someone loses their loved one in an accident, they might feel torn apart by grief and sadness.

The word "torn" is used as a verb (action) when talking about ripping something physically apart, like tearing a piece of paper or fabric. It's also used as an adjective (description) to describe how someone feels after going through a traumatic event.

How common is "torn"?

Word torn is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To rend (a solid material) by holding or restraining in two places and pulling apart, whether intentionally or not; to destroy or separate.
Example: He tore his coat on the nail.
To injure as if by pulling apart.
Example: He has a torn ligament.
To destroy or reduce abstract unity or coherence, such as social, political or emotional.
Example: He was torn by conflicting emotions.
To make (an opening) with force or energy.
Example: A piece of debris tore a tiny straight channel through the satellite.
(often with off or out) To remove by tearing.
Example: Tear the coupon out of the newspaper.
(of structures, with down) To demolish
Example: The slums were torn down to make way for the new development.
To become torn, especially accidentally.
Example: My dress has torn.
To move or act with great speed, energy, or violence.
Example: He tore into the backlog of complaints.
To smash or enter something with great force.
Example: The chain shot tore into the approaching line of infantry.

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Real examples of "torn" in context

Bob Odenkirk Replies To Fans Online | Actually Me

Interview

I'll forever be torn between this finale

7:02

Tom Cruise on Doing Incredibly Dangerous Stunts, Mission Impossible & Top Gun with Val Kilmer

Interview

Would you fly a jetpack through a tornado?

12:47

Well, what kind of tornado

12:51

Bob Odenkirk Rewatches Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Nobody 2 & More | Vanity Fair

Entertainment

Some of the best actors in America including Rip Torn who I got to do scenes with.

13:41