<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>skill in or the art of writing, adapting, or staging plays</li><li>a composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage; a play</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to separate into parts with force or violence</li><li>to tear apart, split, or divide</li><li>to pull or tear violently (often followed by away, off, up, etc.)</li><li>to disturb (the air) sharply with loud noise</li><li>to harrow or distress (the heart) with painful feelings</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to become torn or split</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>rupture</li><li>fracture</li><li>chop</li><li>cleave</li><li>sever</li><li>sunder</li><li>rive</li></ul>