tear

/tɛə/verb
Early Childhood
1

To rend (a solid material) by holding or restraining in two places and pulling apart, whether intentionally or not; to destroy or separate.

2

To injure as if by pulling apart.

3

To destroy or reduce abstract unity or coherence, such as social, political or emotional.

4

To make (an opening) with force or energy.

5

To remove by tearing, or with sudden great force.

6

To demolish.

7

To become torn, especially accidentally.

8

To move or act with great speed, energy, or violence.

9

To smash or enter something with great force.

10

To be interrupted midway through.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing