pull apart

See also: pull-apart

English[edit]

pull apart (third-person singular simple present pulls apart, present participle pulling apart, simple past and past participle pulled apart)

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pull,‎ apart.
(intransitive) To become separated as a result of pulling.
A frayed rope will pull apart under tension.
(transitive) To separate (people or animals that are fighting).
The drunken brawlers had to be pulled apart.
(transitive) To disassemble, dismantle, take apart (a machine or other mechanical device).
When his watch stopped working, he pulled it apart to work out what was wrong with it.
(transitive, figurative) To investigate rigorously the basis of (an idea or theory).
Starting with a couple of inconsistencies, the detective began to pull apart his alibi.
(transitive, figurative) To criticise harshly and in detail.
The professor pulled her essay apart in front of the entire class.

disassemble — see disassemble

to separate two people or animals that are fighting