pull apart

To separate things or break something into pieces by pulling.

• Pull the bread apart.
• We pulled the stuck pages apart carefully.
• Can you pull these two pieces apart?

How to use it: pull something apart (She pulled the two pieces apart with her hands.)

Similar words: separate, tear apart

Common phrases: pull apart something, pull apart bread

To use your hands to separate people or animals that are fighting.

• We pulled the boys apart.
• Two officers pulled the angry men apart.
• Can someone help me pull these dogs apart?

How to use it: pull people/animals apart (The teacher pulled the fighting pupils apart.)

Similar words: separate, break up

Common phrases: pull apart fighting dogs, pull apart two boys

To remove the parts of a machine or object so you can examine or repair it.

• He pulled the clock apart.
• We pulled the motor apart to find the fault.
• Have you ever pulled a computer apart?

How to use it: pull something apart (The mechanic pulled the engine apart.)

Similar words: take apart, dismantle, disassemble

Opposites: assemble

Common phrases: pull apart a machine, pull apart a watch

To split or separate because something is pulling on it.

• The old rope pulled apart.
• These weak seams pull apart when you stretch the fabric.
• Will the cable pull apart under this much weight?

Similar words: come apart, split, break

Common phrases: pull apart easily, pull apart under tension

To examine an idea or explanation in detail to discover whether it is sound.

• They pulled the theory apart.
• The detective pulled her alibi apart, checking every detail.
• We need to pull this argument apart before accepting it.

How to use it: pull something apart (The investigators pulled his explanation apart.)

Similar words: analyze, scrutinize, dissect

Common phrases: pull apart an argument, pull apart a theory

To say strongly and in detail what is wrong with something.

• The teacher pulled my essay apart.
• Critics pulled the film apart for its weak story.
• Why do you always pull my ideas apart?

How to use it: pull something apart (The reviewers pulled the book apart.)

Similar words: tear apart, criticize, attack

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: pull apart an essay, pull apart a proposal