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
Originally announced in 2019, the original timeline for the venue was ripped apart by 2020 as the live music business completely stopped during the pandemic.
—
Ethan Millman, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Several of former 'President' Joe Biden's executive actions should be ripped apart as a result of his unconstitutional delegation of power.
—Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
That would have ripped apart Netanyahu’s government coalition.
—Mick Krever, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Hailey Hart and her fiancé Steve Romero hunkered down with their three huskies inside their 1994 Toyota Celica as a twister ripped apart their home Saturday.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rip apart
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Ethan Millman, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Several of former 'President' Joe Biden's executive actions should be ripped apart as a result of his unconstitutional delegation of power.
—Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
That would have ripped apart Netanyahu’s government coalition.
—Mick Krever, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Hailey Hart and her fiancé Steve Romero hunkered down with their three huskies inside their 1994 Toyota Celica as a twister ripped apart their home Saturday.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 2025.
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