English

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 as an idiom: 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