Phrase guide

pull apart

verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pull, apart.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To become separated as a result of pulling.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • A frayed rope will pull apart under tension.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To separate (people or animals that are fighting).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The drunken brawlers had to be pulled apart.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To disassemble, dismantle, take apart (a machine or other mechanical device).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • When his watch stopped working, he pulled it apart to work out what was wrong with it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To investigate rigorously the basis of (an idea or theory).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Examples

  • Starting with a couple of inconsistencies, the detective began to pull apart his alibi.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To criticise harshly and in detail.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Examples

  • The professor pulled her essay apart in front of the entire class.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: trennen — to separate two people or animals that are fighting
  • Russian: разнима́ть (raznimátʹ) — to separate two people or animals that are fighting
  • Russian: разня́ть (raznjátʹ) — to separate two people or animals that are fighting