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
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.
Hurricane Ravages Ballpark The ferocity of Hurricane Milton last fall forced the Rays out of Tropicana Field after the roof of the domed stadium, ripped apart in the long-lasting storm, fell in – literally. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 At various points in the third-person action-adventure, the fabric of Indika’s reality is ripped apart, the game’s geometry morphing, transmuting, and reconfiguring itself, all while Lucifer chatters incessantly in her ear. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024 Water surged over a gully running through the Valencian town, ripping apart roads and tearing down walls of homes. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 After Hamlet was ripped apart by reviewers, Rylance gathered the cast backstage, stood on a chair and told the company that their duty was to go on doing it around the country for the next 18 months. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rip apart 

Dictionary Entries Near rip apart

Cite this Entry

“Rip apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20apart. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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