撕毁 (sī huǐ) is a compound verb meaning 'to tear up'—literally, to rip apart (撕) and destroy (毁). Together, the characters emphasize deliberate, physical destruction of a written document, especially one with legal or formal significance. It implies intentionality and finality, not accidental damage.

This word is most commonly used with contracts, treaties, agreements, letters, or official documents. It carries a strong connotation of breaking a commitment or rejecting an arrangement outright. While it can describe the physical act of tearing paper, its usage is almost always figurative or institutional—highlighting the annulment of obligations rather than mere shredding. It appears frequently in news reports, legal contexts, and diplomatic discourse, and rarely in casual daily speech about everyday paper items.