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TEARS
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
Example:
she was in tears
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("tears" is a kind of...):
activity; bodily function; bodily process; body process (an organic process that takes place in the body)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "tears"):
snivel; sniveling (whining in a tearful manner)
sob; sobbing (convulsive gasp made while weeping)
bawling; wailing (loud cries made while weeping)
II. (verb)
Sense 1
Present simple (third person singular) of the verb tear
Context examples:
"My true friend!" was all she could say amid her fast-falling tears, as, bending over, she kissed his hand.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
When I half awoke from this uncomfortable doze, I found Peggotty and my mother both in tears, and both talking.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
And falling on a bench, he laughed until the tears ran down his cheeks.
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
Jo shook the tears off her cheeks and waited to hear the news.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I see a white cheek and a faded eye, but no trace of tears.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
Gretel wept bitter tears, and said to Hansel: “Now all is over with us.” “Be quiet, Gretel,” said Hansel, “do not distress yourself, I will soon find a way to help us.”
(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)
Jane ran to her uncle and aunt, and welcomed and thanked them both, with alternate smiles and tears.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
A gland producing tears in a third eyelid in the corner of each eye, as seen in animals.
(Gland of the Third Eyelid, NCI Thesaurus)
With such a reward for her tears, the child was too wise to cease crying.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
The confession completely renewed her first shame—and the sight of Harriet's tears made her think that she should never be in charity with herself again.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
