rip apart
verb
ripped apart; ripping apart; rips apart
1
: to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces
The child ripped the toy apart.
Strong winds had ripped apart many of the little beach bungalows.
—often used figurativelya tragedy/scandal that almost ripped the family apart
2
: to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way especially by describing weaknesses, flaws, etc.
Critics ripped the author's latest novel apart.
an article that rips apart the mayor's plan
Examples of rip apart in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Other sources for asteroid activity include breakup when an asteroid spins too fast, tidal forces ripping apart asteroids during close encounters with a planet, or gas release.
—
Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
The Chimney Rock Fire Department served as both refuge and command post when Helene tore through western North Carolina, bringing mudslides and flash flooding that ripped apart homes and washed away roads.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
That shear tends to rip apart hurricane development.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Terrified that their families were going to get ripped apart.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rip apart
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Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
The Chimney Rock Fire Department served as both refuge and command post when Helene tore through western North Carolina, bringing mudslides and flash flooding that ripped apart homes and washed away roads.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
That shear tends to rip apart hurricane development.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Terrified that their families were going to get ripped apart.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rip apart
Cite this Entry
“Rip apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20apart. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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