tear apart
verb
tore apart; torn apart; tearing apart; tears 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.
Examples of tear apart in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Olise — France/Bayern Munich Olise made the leap to serious Ballon d’Or contender last season, tearing apart Bundesliga defences and elite Champions League opponents from his starting position on the right flank.
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Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
The end of the Chit Chat Cafe happened quickly, as crews tore apart the beloved gathering spot at the base of the Pacifica Pier.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Meanwhile, raucous fans who anticipated a series sweep took their anger out on a Victor Wembanyama Spurs jersey, which was torn apart by a crowd.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The issue is tearing apart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, possibly moving elections up by several weeks this fall after the ultra-Orthodox parties withdrew their support for Netanyahu.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tear apart
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Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
The end of the Chit Chat Cafe happened quickly, as crews tore apart the beloved gathering spot at the base of the Pacifica Pier.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Meanwhile, raucous fans who anticipated a series sweep took their anger out on a Victor Wembanyama Spurs jersey, which was torn apart by a crowd.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The issue is tearing apart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, possibly moving elections up by several weeks this fall after the ultra-Orthodox parties withdrew their support for Netanyahu.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tear apart
Cite this Entry
“Tear apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tear%20apart. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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