1. to cut the wool off a sheep or other animal
2. to cut through something with a sharp tool or force
3. to break or cause to break under stress
Usage: engineering

1. a cutting tool with two blades, typically used for cutting metal or fabric
2. a force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other
Usage: physics; engineering

Examples

• The farmer will shear the sheep in spring.
• The metal bolt sheared under the pressure.
• She used heavy shears to cut the thick fabric.
• The wind shear made landing difficult for the pilot.
• Workers shear the hedge into neat shapes.
• The earthquake caused the building to shear at its base.
• Garden shears are essential for pruning roses.