tear apart

1. Criticize severely, as in The professor tore her paper apart . [Mid-1900s]

2. Upset or make distraught, as in The parents' divorce tore apart the grandparents . [Second half of 1800s]

3. Separate, especially unwillingly, as in The war tore many families apart .

4. Search some place completely, as in The police tore the house apart . [Second half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

“They’re throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks. ... I definitely don’t have all the answers, but continually coming down and trying to tear apart projects without bringing any solutions forward is just counterproductive.”

From Los Angeles Times

The GOP’s aforementioned platform of mass deportation of migrants will reportedly be accompanied by sweeping raids, giant detention camps and mass expulsions, tearing apart migrant families and entire communities.

From Salon

So this feature could tear apart families is what you’re saying?

From New York Times

Kush has had a similar impact, causing young people to drop out of school, straining the healthcare system and tearing apart families.

From Seattle Times

Freeways have historically been built through low-income communities of color, tearing apart vibrant neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonish
• berate
• castigate
• chastise
• chide
• denounce
• discipline
• rebuff
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• scold