Rend (r?nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rent (r?nt); p. pr. & vb. n. Rending.] [AS. rendan, hrendan; cf. OFries. renda, randa, Fries.renne to cut, rend, Icel. hrinda to push, thrust, AS. hrindan; or cf. Icel. rna to rob, plunder, Ir. rannaim to divide, share, part, W. rhanu, Armor. ranna.]

1.

To separate into parts with force or sudden violence; to tear asunder; to split; to burst; as, powder rends a rock in blasting; lightning rends an oak.

The dreadful thunder Doth rend the region. Shak.

2.

To part or tear off forcibly; to take away by force.

An empire from its old foundations rent. Dryden.

I will surely rend the kingdom from thee. 1 Kings xi. 11.

To rap and rend. See under Rap, v. t., to snatch.

Syn. -- To tear; burst; break; rupture; lacerate; fracture; crack; split.

 

© Webster 1913.


Rend, v. i.

To be rent or torn; to become parted; to sepparate; to split.

Jer. Taylor.

 

© Webster 1913.