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 the high probability of getting ripped apart by velociraptors, that’s where a team of scientists embark on a top secret mission to try to extract DNA from the dinosaurs that can be used to make a life-saving drug.
—
Brent Lang, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
The Kraken had their way in the Hawks zone and ripped apart their defense with one-timers and lateral plays.
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for rip apart
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Brent Lang, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
The Kraken had their way in the Hawks zone and ripped apart their defense with one-timers and lateral plays.
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
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
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 16 Apr. 2025.
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