pull apart
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle apart
Meanings
Separate two people or things by force
Why “apart”? A whole separates into pieces, or people become more distant from each other.
“They pulled the fighters apart.”
“Two teachers pulled the arguing boys apart.”
“The cups were stuck, but Maya pulled them apart.”
Don't confuse with
Pull apart means separate two people or things by force. Pull together means work together as a group to achieve something.
Test yourself
“They pulled the fighters apart.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pull together
A contrast learners often mix up
Work together as a group to achieve something; Calm down and regain self-control
come apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Break into pieces or stop holding together
drift apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Of two or more people, slowly become less close to each other
fall apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Break into separate pieces because something is broken; Become unable to cope emotionally; (of a relationship, plan or system) Collapse
grow apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Gradually become less interested in each other
take apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Disassemble completely; Criticise harshly
tear apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Cause great unhappiness, especially in a group; Pull something so hard that it breaks into pieces; Criticise someone or something very severely
pull ahead
Same base verb: pull
Move in front of others in a race or competition
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