takes apart
Separates into pieces
Takes apart means to disassemble something into its components: He takes apart the engine to find the problem.
The phrase extends to thorough analysis—taking apart an argument means examining it piece by piece, often to expose its weaknesses.
It can also mean to defeat decisively or criticize harshly: The reviewer takes apart the film in just three paragraphs.
- breaks downStops functioning properly
- tear downDestroy a structure
- disassembleSeparate into parts
- dismantleSeparate into parts
- deconstructAnalyze by breaking down
break · unsolder · pull · unhinge · loosen · break into pieces · parse · analyze · unclip · cannibalize · strip · disconnect · sever · unfasten · twist · unbolt · reverse-engineer · dissect
assembly/construction
takes apartputs together
Combines into a whole
assembles · builds · constructs · pieces together · sets up
take, apart, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, retake, retakes