The Open Dictionary

tear something up

Related to word: tear

Phrasal Verb

Definition (contract)

  1. To invalidate an agreement by rejecting its terms or no longer adhering to it.

    • They decided to tear up the contract due to dissatisfaction with its terms.

    • The company tore up its agreement with the supplier due to a lack of trust.

    • They tore up the coalition agreement when they no longer needed to collaborate.

Definition (material)

  1. C1

    to rip paper into numerous small fragments

    • She tore up the letter into tiny pieces when she got angry.

    • He got tired of the paperwork during the meeting and tore it up into shreds.

    • The children tore up the old newspapers during their game.