What does "pull apart" mean?

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

What is a synonym for "pull apart"?

Common synonyms include: analyze, break apart, carp, catch at straws, cavil, cut up.

verb

verb ·Uncommon ·College level

Verb

1
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pull, apart.
2
To become separated as a result of pulling. intransitive
"A frayed rope will pull apart under tension."
3
To separate (people or animals that are fighting). transitive
"The drunken brawlers had to be pulled apart."
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
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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6
To criticise harshly and in detail. figuratively, transitive
"The professor pulled her essay apart in front of the entire class."

"A frayed rope will pull apart under tension."