(transitive) To divide or separate the parts of (especially something flimsy such as paper or fabric), by cutting or tearing; to tear off or out by violence.
(intransitive) To tear apart; to rapidly become two parts.
(transitive) To get by, or as if by, cutting or tearing.
(intransitive, figuratively) To move quickly and destructively.
(woodworking) To cut wood along (parallel to) the grain. Contrast crosscut.