tear apart
phrasal verbtore apart; torn apart; tearing apart; tears apart
Definition of tear apart
1 : to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces
I couldn't open the box nicely, so I just tore it apart. —often used figurativelyThe robbers tore apart the house looking for the money.We tore the other team apart in yesterday's game.We can't agree, and it's tearing our family apart.
2 : to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh or angry way especially by describing weaknesses, flaws, etc.
The article tears apart the company's handling of the situation. They tore him apart when he left.
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quizTrue or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quizSCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share tear apart