uptear

[ uhp-tair ]

verb (used with object)

, up·tore, up·torn, up·tear·ing.

1. to wrench or tear out by or as if by the roots or foundations; destroy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uptear¹

First recorded in 1585–95; up- + tear ²

Example Sentences

Uptear, up-tār′, v.t. to tear up.

From Project Gutenberg

If in the boor’s garden the King eats a pear, His servants rapacious the tree will uptear; For every five eggs he gives bounteously, more Than five hundred fowls will his armies devour.

From Project Gutenberg

Go, sister, meekly tell the haughty foe, Not I at Aulis with the Greeks did swear To smite the Trojans and their towers o'erthrow, Nor sought his father's ashes to uptear.

From Project Gutenberg

He is weak, very old—he can scarcely uptear A young pine-tree for staff since his legs cease to bear; But here's to replace him!—I can toy with his axe; As I sit on the hill my feet swing in the flax, And my knee caps the boulders and troubles the trees.

From Project Gutenberg