pull apart - Definition & Meaning

pull apart

Third Person

pulls apart

Present Participle

pulling apart

Past Tense

pulled apart

Past Participle

pulled apart

to become shattered, often after applying much force

The two kids fought over the toy until it pulled apart.
The old fabric was so fragile that it just pulled apart when I tried to wash it.
As they tried to rescue the trapped animal, the net pulled apart, allowing it to escape.
The old sweater just pulled apart at the seams.
The ancient manuscript pulled apart when they tried to read it.

to carefully and critically examine something

The editor pulled the manuscript apart, looking for any inconsistencies.
Critics pulled apart the film for its lack of originality.
The committee pulled apart the new regulations, debating each point in depth.
Before finalizing the project, the team lead pulled it apart to ensure every part was perfect.
As part of their training, the apprentices were asked to pull apart the designs and assess their viability.

to intervene and separate individuals or animals that are fighting or in conflict

At the family reunion, two uncles got into an argument and family members had to pull them apart.
The security guards at the concert had to pull apart several rowdy fans.
The referee had to pull the two boxers apart when the bell rang.
It took three of us to pull the fighting dogs apart.
The teachers rushed in to pull the two students apart during the brawl.

to cause a separation, typically used for relationships or groups

Financial difficulties pulled apart many families during the recession.
Secrets and lies can pull even the strongest of bonds apart.
Differences in their life goals eventually pulled the couple apart.
The manager's favoritism pulled the team apart, causing conflicts among members.
Long distances and lack of communication slowly pulled their friendship apart.

to forcefully separate something into its individual components

She pulled the old book apart to restore its individual pages.
The mechanic pulled the engine apart to find the malfunction.
Curious about its mechanism, he pulled the watch apart.
Determined to fix it herself, she pulled the vacuum cleaner apart to clean the filters.
I pulled the bread apart to share with my friend.