Verbs for Breaking and Tearing

to separate something into more pieces, often in a sudden way

Be careful not to break the glass when you wash the dishes.

a crack or break in a bone or other hard substance

A fracture is a medical term used to describe a crack or break in a bone or hard substance.

(of a pipe or similar structure) to burst or break apart suddenly

The aging water pipe finally ruptured, causing a water leak in the basement.

to break suddenly into several pieces

The glass shatters into fragments as it falls to the ground.

to break on the surface without falling into separate pieces

The frozen lake began to crack as temperatures rose, creating patterns on the surface.

an event marked by excessive eating or drinking

The holiday dinner turned into a real bust.

(of a building) to fall apart

After years of neglect, the old abandoned house began to crumble, its walls giving way to the elements.

to break a small piece off something

The woodworker needed to chip small sections from the block to achieve the desired shape.

to suddenly break with a sharp noise

The dry twig snapped loudly under his foot as he walked through the forest.

to break into smaller pieces

Glass fragments easily when dropped.

to break or lose structure and unity over time

Over time, the old paper began to disintegrate, turning into fragile fragments.

to fall or break into pieces as a result of being in an extremely bad condition

The neglected house, worn down by years of weathering, finally began to fall apart, with sections of the roof and walls collapsing.

to forcibly break something into several pieces

Frustrated with the malfunctioning computer, he decided to smash the keyboard in anger.

a drop of salty liquid produced by the eyes

to tear something forcefully

In a fit of rage, he tried to rend the fabric but only succeeded in damaging it further.

to tear, cut, or open something forcefully and quickly

She accidentally ripped her favorite shirt on a sharp nail sticking out from the fence.

to catch something on a sharp or rough object, resulting in damage or tearing

She accidentally snagged her dress on a rusty nail, causing a tear in the fabric.

to become torn

During the earthquake, the ground began to rive, creating deep cracks.