rip apart
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
The biker was sent hurtling through the air as his vehicle ripped apart.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Individuals deserve due process, and families especially should not be ripped apart while simply dropping their children off at school.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Becerra was ripped apart throughout the two-hour CNN debate, primarily by his Democratic rivals, who accused him of dodging questions about his stance on single-payer healthcare, falling short as a Biden Cabinet secretary and accepting a campaign donation from Chevron.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The Mineral Wells storm blew through an industrial park, shredding buildings, ripping apart roofs and scattering debris across the area.
—S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rip apart
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Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Individuals deserve due process, and families especially should not be ripped apart while simply dropping their children off at school.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Becerra was ripped apart throughout the two-hour CNN debate, primarily by his Democratic rivals, who accused him of dodging questions about his stance on single-payer healthcare, falling short as a Biden Cabinet secretary and accepting a campaign donation from Chevron.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The Mineral Wells storm blew through an industrial park, shredding buildings, ripping apart roofs and scattering debris across the area.
—S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
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 21 May. 2026.
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