1. To rip or peel something off of or away from something else. A noun or pronoun is used between "tear" and "from." Someone tore all the posters from the wall and left them in tatters on the ground. The impact tore the wings of the plane from the fuselage.

2. To wrest something out of one's grasp. A noun or pronoun is used between "tear" and "from." The police office tore the gun from the criminal. Sarah tore the letter from my hand and told me to mind my own business.

3. To separate someone from someone else by force. A noun or pronoun is used between "tear" and "from." The agency has been accused of tearing children from their families for no justifiable reason. I can't believe it's been nearly a year since that damned disease tore Tom from us.