torn
Americanverb
verb
-
the past participle of tear 1
-
slang an unexpected event or circumstance has upset one's plans
adjective
-
split or cut
-
divided or undecided, as in preference
he was torn between staying and leaving
Other Word Forms
- untorn adjective
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite suffering from "numerous" bald patches, a torn muzzle, and repairs to both pads on his paws and feet, the Edwardian bear attracted a lot of interest ahead of the sale.
From BBC
If I had said “Sick ’em!” he would have torn out of those elders like a cyclone.
From Literature
Underfoot, the rubber flooring is torn and strewn with trash.
From Barron's
Air filters needed to be replaced, the carpet torn out, toys thrown away and wood chips exchanged for rocks.
From Los Angeles Times
“If I hadn’t torn my ACL ... Tom wouldn’t have been there. He wouldn’t have been able to save my leg.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
