What is tear up?

"Tear up" is a phrasal verb that can have a couple of distinct meanings based on the context in which it is used:

1. To Rip or Destroy: It can mean to rip something into small pieces or to destroy something, often paper or fabric. For example, "She decided to tear up the letter after reading it."

2. To Cancel or Annul: In a more figurative sense, "tear up" can also mean to cancel or annul a document, agreement, or contract. For example, "The two companies decided to tear up their existing agreement and negotiate a new one."

3. Emotional Response: In informal contexts, "to tear up" can also refer to the action of beginning to cry or becoming visibly emotional, often without fully crying. For instance, "He teared up when he heard the sad news."

These usages can vary slightly depending on the context, but generally fit within these interpretations.