What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lacerate
Example
The jagged glass lacerated his arm, causing him to bleed profusely. [lacerate: verb]
Example
The dog's sharp teeth lacerated the toy, leaving it in pieces. [lacerated: past tense]
Example
The harsh criticism lacerated her self-esteem, leaving her feeling worthless. [lacerate: verb]
tear
Example
She tore the paper in half in frustration. [tear: verb]
Example
The shirt had a tear in the sleeve. [tear: noun]
Example
He couldn't help but tear up at the emotional scene in the movie. [tear: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tear is a more common word than lacerate in everyday language, and is used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lacerate and tear?
Lacerate is a more formal word than tear, and is often used in medical or legal contexts to describe severe injuries or damage.
