auf|reißen
Translation
ripped open, torn open, flung open
Examples
Er hat den Brief schnell aufgerissen.
He quickly ripped open the letter.
Die Wolkendecke ist plötzlich aufgerissen.
The cloud cover suddenly broke open.
Sie hat die Augen weit aufgerissen.
She opened her eyes wide.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to rip sth. open He ripped open the envelope.
Similar Words
öffnen (to open), aufmachen (to open), but with a more violent or sudden connotation.
Etymology
From 'auf-' (up, open) and 'reißen' (to rip, to tear). Literally 'to rip open'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ripping' something 'up' or 'open' (aufreißen). The action is forceful and sudden, like tearing open a package.