This is the 7582nd most frequent Japanese word.
切り裂く
To cut or tear violently; to rip apart.
The word '切り裂く' is used to describe the action of cutting through the bushes to create a path.
彼は森の中で迷う中、茂みを切り裂いて進んだ。
He tore through the bushes to make his way while lost in the forest.
In this case, '切り裂く' metaphorically expresses the intense emotional pain as if it was tearing the heart.
悲しみが彼の心を切り裂いたように感じた。
He felt as if the sadness tore through his heart.
Here, '切り裂く' illustrates the piercing and sudden appearance of lightning breaking through the dark night.