Pronunciation: [tˌe͡əɹ ɐpˈɑːt] (IPA) 
The phrase "tear apart" is spelled with an initial /t/ sound followed by a diphthong made up of the sounds /ɛər/. This diphthong represents the vowel sounds in "air" and "where" and is spelled with the letters "ea" in English. The final portion of the word, "apart," is spelled with the letters "ap" representing the sounds /ə/ and /ɑrt/. Together, the spelling of "tear apart" accurately represents its pronunciation.
The verb phrase "tear apart" refers to the act of forcefully separating or dividing something into pieces, often with great force or aggression. This action generally involves applying pressure or pulling at the object in opposite directions, causing it to break or be destroyed into several components. The tearing apart process can be literal, involving physical objects such as paper, fabric, or even human body parts, resulting in the separation of the material or body into individual parts that were previously connected.
Metaphorically, "tear apart" can also describe the action of causing severe damage or dismantling something abstract or intangible, such as relationships, families, organizations, or concepts. It implies a vigorous and destructive force being used to completely break down or disrupt the unity or stability of the subject in question. This can refer to emotional or psychological damage, as well as the disintegration of social structures or the dissolution of bonds between people.
Overall, whether used literally or metaphorically, "tear apart" denotes a process of forceful and often irreversible separation, destruction, or disruption of something that was previously whole or intact.
The word "tear" comes from Old English "teran", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "teraną". This root word has its origins in the Indo-European base "*derǝ-", meaning "to split" or "rend".
The word "apart" comes from the Old English phrase "on part", where "on" means "into" and "part" means "piece". Over time, the phrase "on part" was combined and contracted into the word "apart".
Therefore, when "tear" and "apart" are combined to form the phrase "tear apart", it essentially means to forcefully separate something or someone into pieces or fragments.
