Rends

To "rend" (verb, present tense "rends") is to tear or split something violently, often with a sharp or forceful action. It implies a forceful separation, causing damage or fragmentation. The action of rending can be applied to physical objects, emotional states, or even abstract concepts. The result is usually a separation or division, leaving parts broken or disconnected. It is a dramatic and impactful action, often associated with destruction or severe alteration. The key idea is the forceful and often uncontrolled separation into pieces. The extent of the damage can vary, but the forceful separation remains central to the word's meaning.

Rends meaning with examples

• The hurricane's ferocious winds rends the flimsy coastal homes, ripping their roofs away and scattering debris across the landscape. The scene was one of utter devastation, as nature unleashed its fury upon the vulnerable structures in its path, the relentless power leaving the remains scattered and fragmented.
• Consumed by grief, the widow rends her clothing, a primal expression of anguish. Her outburst echoes the depth of her sorrow. The emotional upheaval expressed through physical action served as an outlet. Her anguish manifests in this act of deliberate destruction.
• The politician's inflammatory speech rends the fabric of society, creating deep divisions among citizens. The divisions created by the inflammatory rhetoric created a very hostile environment. The careful construction of unity shattered by the hateful words.
• The hungry lion rends the flesh from its prey with powerful jaws and claws, fueled by its primal instincts. The violence on display showcases the raw power of the animal, tearing with intense aggression. The meal demonstrates the harsh realities of survival.
• As the ship crashes on the rocks, the immense force rends the hull apart, sending splintered wood and metal into the churning sea. The power of the impact results in the immediate separation and eventual sinking. The structural integrity gave way instantly, leaving the ship beyond repair.