Definition of "rend" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To separate into parts with force or sudden violence; to split; to burst.

   • Powder rends a rock in blasting.
   • Lightning rends an oak.

2. (transitive, figurative) To violently disturb the peace of; to throw into chaos.

   • a scream that rent the air

3. (transitive) To part or tear off forcibly; to take away by force; to amputate.

4. (intransitive) To be rent or torn; to become parted; to separate; to split.

   • Relationships may rend if tempers flare.

noun

1. A violent separation of parts.