to pull something so violently that it breaks into two or more pieces

A dog can tear a rabbit apart in seconds. 狗片刻就能把一只兔子撕烂。

to make a group of people that was united, such as a country, family, or political party, argue, or fight with each other by dividing it into two or more parts

Ethnic rivalries threaten to tear this country apart. 种族对立使这个国家面临分裂的危险。

He resigned, depressed at the way that the party was tearing itself apart. 由于对党内正在发生的分裂倍感忧虑，他辞职了。

to destroy a building or room

The blast had torn the building apart. 爆炸摧毁了该建筑。

to criticize something or someone severely

The speaker was applauded as he tore apart the prime minister's policies. 发言者严厉批评了首相的政策，得到了一片掌声。

to make someone very unhappy

Seeing the children suffer really tears me apart. 看到孩子们受苦，我非常难受。