The cat tore at my pants with its claws.那只猫用爪子撕破了我的裤子。

wolves tearing at a dead deer撕扯着一只死鹿的狼群

Those two are always tearing at each other's throats. [=always arguing with and harshly criticizing each other]那两个人总是互相攻击指责。

Her sadness tore at his heart. [=made him very upset/unhappy]她的忧伤令他心如刀割。