tear apart
Third Person
tears apart
Present Participle
tearing apart
Past Tense
tore apart
Past Participle
torn apart
1
to separate or destroy by causing serious arguments in a country, organization, or group
- Strong opposing opinions may tear the family apart.
- The scandalous revelation threatened to tear the government apart.
- A power struggle could tear the company apart.
- Political differences can tear a nation apart.
2
to cause emotional distress or deep sadness
- The news of the accident tore her apart emotionally.
- He didn't realize that his words could tear apart her feelings.
- The betrayal by a close friend can tear a person apart.
- The criticism from her peers tore apart her self-esteem.