GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Rend , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rent ; 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. ræna to rob, plunder, Ir. rannaim to divide, share, part, W. rhanu, Armor. ranna.]
   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.
   1913 Webster
   The dreadful thunder
   Doth rend the region.
   Shak.
   
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   To part or tear off forcibly; to take away by force.
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   An empire from its old foundations rent.
   Dryden.
   
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   I will surely rend the kingdom from thee.
   1 Kings xi. 11.
   
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   To rap and rend. See under Rap, v. t., to snatch.
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   Syn. -- To tear; burst; break; rupture; lacerate; fracture; crack; split.
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2.       
   Rend, v. i. To be rent or torn; to become parted; to separate; to split.
   Jer. Taylor.
   
   1913 Webster