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Torn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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torn

[tษ”หn ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'torn'

Main points about word origin

  • 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 'reiรŸen', which also means to tear.

The word 'torn' originated from the Old English word 'tฤ“orian', meaning 'to lacerate'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe both emotional and physical states of being ripped apart or damaged.

See also: tornado.

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.