Tearing

Tearing is the act of pulling something apart or into pieces, typically by applying a force that exceeds the material’s strength or cohesion. It can occur in everyday objects such as paper, fabric, plastics, and other materials, as well as in living tissues.

In materials science, tearing describes the progressive damage that leads to fracture. A tear usually begins at a flaw or crack that concentrates stress. As load continues, the crack grows along a preferred path, cutting through fibers or grains. Key concepts include tear strength, fracture toughness, and tearing energy, which quantify how much energy a material can absorb before tearing. Factors such as material toughness, strain rate, temperature, and the presence of flaws influence tear behavior. Designers seek to reduce tearing by using tougher materials, reinforcing critical areas, or changing geometry to distribute stress.

Tearing is common in textiles and paper. Perforated designs control tearing, while coatings, fiber orientation, and seam quality can raise tear resistance. In plastics, tearing behavior depends on polymer structure and environmental conditions.

In ophthalmology, tearing (lacrimation) refers to the production and discharge of tears by the lacrimal glands. Tears nourish and protect the eye and form the tear film that lubricates the surface; tearing can be basal, reflex, or emotional.

Medical use of the term includes injuries described as tears to soft tissues, such as muscle or tendon tears, or ligament and cartilage tears. Treatment varies by tissue and severity and may include rest, immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery.