rip apart

phrasal 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 figuratively
a 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
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But to witness such a horrific event and in an instant see how this family was ripped apart is heartbreaking. Michael Nied, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 The American household is not being ripped apart by arguments about the correct way to operate the oven. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025 On April 10, a bear in Evergreen ripped apart an unlocked car, likely looking for snacks. Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 14 Apr. 2025 The Rays are playing there because the roof of their Tropicana Field was ripped apart during Hurricane Milton in November. David O'Brien, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rip apart

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Cite this Entry

“Rip apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20apart. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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