Torn: meaning, definitions and examples

😢

Add to dictionary

torn

[tɔːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

To be emotionally distressed or upset, usually as a result of a difficult or painful experience.

Synonyms

anguished, conflicted, struggling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
torn	Use this word when someone is having a hard time making a decision and feels pulled in different directions. She was torn between staying home with her family and taking the job abroad.
conflicted	This word is used when someone feels unsure or has mixed feelings about something. He's conflicted about whether to accept the promotion. She feels conflicted about moving to a new city.
struggling	Often used to describe someone facing difficulties or challenges, either physically, emotionally, or mentally. He is struggling to keep up with his workload. The small business is struggling to survive.
anguished	A term that specifically describes intense mental or emotional suffering, often due to grief, worry, or guilt. He was anguished by the loss of his best friend. Her anguished cries echoed through the night.

Examples of usage

After the breakup, she was torn between her feelings of anger and sadness.
He felt torn about whether to accept the job offer or stay at his current position.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

physically

To damage something by pulling or ripping it apart forcefully.

Synonyms

damage, rip, shred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
torn	Refers to something that has been pulled apart or into pieces with force, typically used for fabric, paper, or other materials that have been physically damaged. Her dress was torn during the hiking trip The old book had several torn pages
rip	Describes a long tear or cut in something, often made quickly or forcefully. Commonly used for cloth or paper that has been split or shredded. He accidentally ripped his jacket on the nail The letter was ripped in half before it was read
shred	Implies something has been torn or cut into very small, thin pieces, often intentionally. Usually applied to paper, fabric, or other materials that can be finely divided. The confidential documents were shredded to ensure privacy The old t-shirt was shredded into cleaning rags
damage	General term for harm or injury to an object or surface that affects its condition, value, or function. It can be used for both physical and non-physical harm. The storm caused significant damage to the roof The car's bumper was damaged in the accident

Examples of usage

The dog torn the sofa with its sharp claws.
The strong winds torn the roof off the house.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'teran', meaning to tear or rip.
Its roots also link to the Proto-Germanic word *teranan, which means to break or split.
A related word in modern German is 'reißen', which also means to tear.

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, the concept of being 'torn' often symbolizes emotional conflict or distress.
The famous novel 'The Kite Runner' explores themes of being torn between loyalty and betrayal.
Many poems use the imagery of torn pages to represent lost thoughts or incomplete ideas.

Psychology

The feeling of being 'torn' is often associated with indecision, as individuals struggle to choose between conflicting desires.
This emotional state can lead to stress and anxiety, reflecting a disconnect within one's values or desires.
Therapy often explores feelings of being torn as a way to understand and reconcile internal conflicts.

Pop Culture

The song 'Torn' by Natalie Imbruglia became a massive hit in the late 1990s, expressing feelings of heartbreak and confusion.
In movies, characters often feel torn when faced with tough decisions, reflecting their dilemmas to the audience.
Torn images and visuals are frequently used in graphic novels to depict chaos or emotional turmoil.

Fashion

Torn clothing styles, like distressed jeans, became a popular fashion trend, symbolizing rebellion and nonconformity.
Designers often intentionally create 'torn' looks to add character and uniqueness to their pieces.
Fashion weeks often showcase collections where torn textures represent a break from traditional designs.

Translations

Translations of the word "torn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rasgado

🇮🇳 फटा हुआ

🇩🇪 zerrissen

🇮🇩 robek

🇺🇦 розірваний

🇵🇱 rozerwany

🇯🇵 引き裂かれた

🇫🇷 déchiré

🇪🇸 rasgado

🇹🇷 yırtık

🇰🇷 찢어진

🇸🇦 ممزق

🇨🇿 roztrhaný

🇸🇰 roztrhaný

🇨🇳 撕裂的

🇸🇮 raztrgan

🇮🇸 rifinn

🇰🇿 жыртылған

🇬🇪 გახეული

🇦🇿 cırılmış

🇲🇽 rasgado

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,354 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5351 opposing
5352 admiration
5353 incentives
5354 torn
5355 indictment
5356 relaxation
5357 hers
...