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
Despite moving over warm Gulf waters, which would provide fuel for development, the cluster of storms has been ripped apart by hostile upper-level winds, leaving it unlikely to claim Dexter, the next name on the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season list.
—
Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
During the shooting, bullets tore through the back of his head and ripped apart his left leg.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
Chimney Rock, North Carolina, was unrecognizable after Hurricane Helene swept through, bringing mudslides and flash flooding that ripped apart homes.
—Janet Shamlian, CBS News, 10 June 2025
Mark Twain luxuriated in Versailles like a Chihuahua ripping apart the contents of a lingerie drawer.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rip apart
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Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
During the shooting, bullets tore through the back of his head and ripped apart his left leg.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
Chimney Rock, North Carolina, was unrecognizable after Hurricane Helene swept through, bringing mudslides and flash flooding that ripped apart homes.
—Janet Shamlian, CBS News, 10 June 2025
Mark Twain luxuriated in Versailles like a Chihuahua ripping apart the contents of a lingerie drawer.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 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 5 Aug. 2025.
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