Torn

Torn is the past participle of the verb tear and an adjective used to describe something that has been ripped, pulled apart, or damaged. It also appears in verbal constructions with have/has/had, as in has torn or had torn, and can occur in passive voice, as in the paper was torn.

As an adjective, torn typically refers to physical damage such as torn clothing, torn paper, or a torn flag. It can also be used metaphorically to express emotional or moral conflict, for example someone who is torn between two loyalties or torn by guilt. Common phrases include torn in two, torn apart, and torn edges, which emphasize division or partial destruction.

Etymology and grammar: torn originates from the verb tear, with the modern form evolving through English through the past participle. The base verb has forms tear, tore, and torn, with tearing as the present participle. The word is frequently used in descriptive writing to convey damage or internal struggle.

Usage notes: torn should be distinguished from tear when used as a noun (a drop of liquid from the eye) or from tare, a separate word with a different meaning. In most contexts, context will indicate whether torn refers to physical damage or emotional division.

See also: tear, tearing, tears, torn between, torn apart.