Pull apart

verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pull, apart.
  2. 2
    To become separated as a result of pulling. intransitive

    "A frayed rope will pull apart under tension."

  3. 3
    To separate (people or animals that are fighting). transitive

    "The drunken brawlers had to be pulled apart."

  4. 4
    To disassemble, dismantle, take apart (a machine or other mechanical device). transitive

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

  5. 5
    To investigate rigorously the basis of (an idea or theory). figuratively, transitive

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

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  1. 6
    To criticise harshly and in detail. figuratively, transitive

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

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