Wiktionary
vb. 1 (context transitive English) To tear into pieces. 2 (context transitive idiomatic English) To damage. 3 (context transitive idiomatic English) To succeed dramatically in (an area of endeavor) or against.
WordNet
Usage examples of "tear up".
You there, Jonil, see to the cutting of some branches, the straightest you can find, and Karis, you tear up some blankets for bindings.
The Angels were quickly subdued by Berkeley police, but not before they managed to punch a few people, tear up some signs and rip microphone wires off the march leaders' sound truck.
You can save the money if you don't need it, or tear up the check, I don't care.
Ten thousand horses, and as many pack mules, tear up soil like a Titan's plow.
Look, just tear up a fifty into real little pieces and put that in there.
At first, while riding back from Saspe to Max-Halbe Platz, after a streetcar conductor had invited me to come along free of charge, I had meant to tear up that seven of spades.
Besides, I have an idea that devil could tear up any tree around here by its roots.
For rail, tear up the sidings at Winston, Colorado, at Silver Springs, Colorado, at Leeds, Utah, at Benson, Nevada.