desgarrar

Desgarrar is a Spanish verb that means to tear, rend, or rip something apart, typically by force. Its usage covers physical yielding of materials such as fabrics, papers, or membranes, as in “desgarrar la tela” or “desgarrar un papel.” The term can also describe a more violent, forceful tearing, such as a garment being torn to shreds or a flag ripped by the wind.

In addition to its literal sense, desgarrar is frequently used in metaphorical contexts to express emotional or psychological rupture. Common phrases include “desgarrar el alma” or “desgarrar el corazón,” where the act of tearing conveys intense emotional impact or distress. The noun desgarro corresponds to the physical tear, while desgarro or desgarramiento can denote a broader sense of tearing or injury, including figurative ones.

Desgarrar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugation follows the standard pattern. Present indicative forms are: yo desgarr o, tú desgarras, él desgarra, nosotros desgarramos, vosotros desgarráis, ellos desgarran. The preterite is: yo desgarré, tú desgarraste, él desgarró, nosotros desgarramos, vosotros desgarrasteis, ellos desgarraron. The imperfect: desgarraba, desgarrabas, desgarraba, desgarrábamos, desgarrabais, desgarraban. The present subjunctive forms are: desgarre, desgarr es, desgarren, and the imperative forms include desgarra (tú afirmativo) and desgarre (usted/formal). The participle is desgarrado.

Related verbs include rasgar or romper, which can be used in similar contexts depending on nuance. Desgarrar remains common in literary and everyday Spanish to denote both literal tearing and emotionally piercing effects.