American Dictionary

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Definition tear apart in American English

tear apart phrasal verb

[transitive]phrasal verb
1

to damage or destroy something completely by breaking it into pieces

Example

The building was torn apart by the explosion.

Example

This issue is tearing their marriage apart.

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3

to make someone feel very sad, upset, or worried

Example

It just tears me apart to see you suffering like this.

Synonyms and related words
Example

The police tore the place apart looking for the money.

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5

to criticize someone or something very strongly

Synonyms and related words
Definition tear apart in American English