tear apart

• Etwas gewaltsam in Stücke reißen oder jemanden bzw. etwas scharf kritisieren. Kann auch starke emotionale Zerrüttung oder Entzweiung verursachen.

To pull or rip something into pieces violently, or to criticize someone or something severely. It can also mean to cause great emotional distress or division.

1. Physically rip into piecesB1informal

   To pull or rip something into separate pieces with force.

   In Stücke reißen

   • The dog tore apart the pillow.
   • He tore apart the letter in anger.
   • The explosion tore apart the building.

2. Criticize severelyB2informal

   To criticize someone or something very harshly.

   Scharf kritisieren

   • The critics tore apart the new movie.
   • She tore apart his argument in the debate.
   • The review tore apart the restaurant's service.

3. Cause emotional distressB2informal

   To cause great emotional pain or conflict, often in a relationship.

   Zerreißen

   • The divorce tore apart the family.
   • Jealousy tore apart their friendship.
   • The war tore apart the community.