ein|reißen
Translation
to demolish, to tear down, to tear, to become prevalent
Examples
Das alte Gebäude wird eingerissen.
The old building is being torn down.
Die Mauer ist an einer Stelle eingerissen.
The wall is torn in one spot.
Diese schlechte Gewohnheit ist schnell eingerissen.
This bad habit quickly became prevalent.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to tear sth. down The construction company is tearing down the old warehouse.
Similar Words
Synonyms: abreißen, demolieren; Antonyms: aufbauen, errichten
Etymology
Made up of the prefix 'ein-' (in, into) and the verb 'reißen' (to tear). Literally 'to tear into', which extends to the meaning 'to tear down' or 'demolish'.
Memory Tips
Picture 'tearing into' ('einreißen') a wall with a sledgehammer to tear it down.