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 figuratively
a 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tottenham was beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle, a week on from being ripped apart in a 3-0 loss at Brentford. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Some of Syria’s neighbors have also lauded the decision as a landmark step to normalizing the geopolitical situation in a country ripped apart again and again by civil conflict. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026 Are Aston Villa a team being ripped apart, picked off by Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and now Ezri Konsa, or a team in exciting transition and ripe for reinvention under Unai Emery? — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Wind shear tends to rip apart or hinder development of a storm. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rip apart

Rhymes for rip apart

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Browse Nearby Words

rip a hole
rip apart
riparian
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Cite this Entry

“Rip apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip%20apart. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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