Definition
to compel someone to cease doing something pleasurable, often because there is a need to go elsewhere or attend to another task
She was engrossed in her book, but the phone forced her to leave it. When I tried to tear her away from the book, she was quite upset.
The kids were having a great time playing in the park, and I had to tear them away to go home for dinner.
They loved playing on the beach, and even though it was time to go home, I had to compel them to tear away.