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 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Cite this Entry
“Rip apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20apart. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share