rip apart

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To be destroyed due to the malevolent actions of others.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Your decisions are ripping this family apart.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rip apart” mean?

To be destroyed due to the malevolent actions of others.

Is “rip apart” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.