Meaning
To separate pieces of something by pulling; or to critique severely.
Example Sentence
"The teacher pulled his essay apart, finding dozens of errors."
Synonyms
dismantle
separate
criticize harshly
Usage Note
This phrasal verb is separable. When using a noun object, it can go between the verb and particle or after the particle. When using a pronoun object, it must go between the verb and particle (e.g., "turn it off" not "turn off it").