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Definition tear apart in British English

tear apart phrasal verb

[transitive] phrasal verb
1

to make someone feel very sad, upset, or worried

Example

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

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Example

This issue is tearing their marriage apart.

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3

to damage or destroy something completely by breaking it into pieces

Example

The building was torn apart by the explosion.

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4

to search a room or building very thoroughly, moving things in a careless way that causes damage

Example

The police tore the place apart looking for the money.

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5

to criticize someone or something very strongly

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Definition tear apart in British English