pull apart

See also: pull-apart

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

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

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pull,‎ apart.
2. to become separated as a result of pulling

   A weak rope will pull apart.

3. to separate two people or animals that are fighting
4. to dismantle a machine or other mechanical device.
5. (idiomatic) to rigorously investigate the basis of an idea or theory.

   Starting with a couple of inconsistencies, the detective began to pull apart his alibi.

Coordinate terms

• (dismantle): strip down.

Translations

disassemble — see disassemble

to separate two people or animals that are fighting

• German: trennen (de)
• Russian: разнима́ть (ru) impf (raznimátʹ), разня́ть (ru) pf (raznjátʹ)