take apart

Undo the assembly

To take apart is to disassemble something into its components: He took apart the engine to find the problem.

The phrase extends to thorough analysis—taking apart an argument means examining it piece by piece.

It can also mean to defeat decisively or criticize harshly: The defense attorney took apart the witness's testimony.

disassemble

unscrew

Remove by turning

unboltSlide a bar open
detachTo separate from
disconnectTo break a connection

remove · extract · disengage · uncouple · teardown · demount · disassembly · reassemble · components · screwdriver

analyze

examine

Study with attention

dissectCut open to examine
scrutinizeInspect with close attention
investigateSeek facts systematically

evaluate · assess · study · review · probe · parse · break down · inspect · critique · interpret

defeat

demolish

Destroy completely

destroyCause complete ruin
crushCompress with force
annihilateDestroy completely, leaving nothing

rout · trounce · overwhelm · dominate · outclass · dismantle · beat · thrash · wallop · clobber

criticize

critique

Detailed evaluative analysis

faultImperfection or blame
nitpickFind petty faults
attackAggressive act against another

tear into · lambaste · pan · trash · slam · roast · demolish · eviscerate · shred · savage

Categories

Deconstructionteardown, deconstruction, dismantling, disassembly, unbuilding
demolitiondemolish, raze, bulldoze, controlled demolition, wreck
unfastendetach, loosen, untie, unhook, unclip
unfasteningunfasten, detach, disconnect, unbuckle, unbutton

Opposites

assembly/construction

take apartput together

Combine into one

assemble · build · construct · piece together · reassemble

critical analysis

take apartpraise

Expression of approval

build up · laud · extol · commend · acclaim

Family

take, separate, apart, detached, tear down, taking apart, taken apart

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G