Get ready to tear directions (5)
I believe the answer is:
ripen
'get ready' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'tear directions' is the wordplay.
'tear' becomes 'rip' (synonyms).
'directions' becomes 'en' (east and north).
'rip'+'en'='RIPEN'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ripen that I've seen before include "Get ready for 2" , "Become ready to eat" , "Get ready to eat" , "Mature, develop" , "Become ready for picking" .)