Definition of the word tear apart

Pronunciation of vocabulary tear apart

tear apartphrasal verb

xé toạc

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Origin of the word tear apart

The expression "tear apart" literally means to physically tear something into pieces or separate it forcefully. The word "tear" refers to the action of pulling or tearing, as in the way a piece of paper or fabric can be ripped by pulling it apart. Similarly, "apart" denotes separation or division. The exact origin of the term can be traced back to the Old English word "téarian," meaning "to divide, separate, or distribute." This word evolved to become "tear" in Middle English and was later used to denote the action of pulling or tearing. The use of the term "tear apart" as a figurative expression to mean "to criticize or attack heavily" is believed to have originated in the 20th century, as a result of its literal meaning implying a forceful and destructive action.

Example of vocabulary tear apartnamespace

meaning

to destroy something violently, especially by pulling it to pieces

phá hủy một cái gì đó một cách dữ dội, đặc biệt là bằng cách xé nó thành từng mảnh

  • The dogs tore the fox apart.

    Những con chó xé xác con cáo ra.

meaning

to make people in a country, an organization or other place fight or argue with each other

khiến mọi người trong một quốc gia, một tổ chức hoặc nơi khác chiến đấu hoặc tranh cãi với nhau

  • Divisive politics is tearing our country apart.

    Chính trị chia rẽ đang xé nát đất nước chúng ta.

meaning

to search a place, making it look untidy and causing damage

lục soát một nơi nào đó, làm cho nơi đó trông lộn xộn và gây hư hỏng

  • They tore the room apart, looking for money.

    Họ lục tung căn phòng để tìm tiền.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary tear apart

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