Pull apart

Verb

Definitions

1.VerbUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pull,‎ apart.

2.VerbTo become separated as a result of pulling.

"A frayed rope will pull apart under tension."

3.VerbTo separate (people or animals that are fighting).

"The drunken brawlers had to be pulled apart."

4.VerbTo 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."

5.VerbTo investigate rigorously the basis of (an idea or theory).

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

6.VerbTo criticise harshly and in detail.

"The professor pulled her essay apart in front of the entire class."

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