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Definition of Pick apart
1. Verb. Find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws. "Don't knock the food--it's free"
Entails: Evaluate, Judge, Pass Judgment
Specialized synonyms: Censure, Criminate, Reprimand, Blast, Crucify, Pillory, Savage, Admonish, Reprove, Bawl Out, Berate, Call Down, Call On The Carpet, Chew Out, Chew Up, Chide, Dress Down, Have Words, Jaw, Lambast, Lambaste, Lecture, Rag, Rebuke, Remonstrate, Reprimand, Reproof, Scold, Take To Task, Trounce, Reprehend, Deplore, Belabor, Belabour, Come Down, Denounce, Blame, Find Fault, Pick, Belittle, Disparage, Pick At, Nitpick, Assail, Assault, Attack, Lash Out, Round, Snipe, Harsh On
Generic synonyms: Comment, Notice, Point Out, Remark
Derivative terms: Criticism, Criticism, Criticism, Critic, Critic, Critic
Antonyms: Praise
Definition of Pick apart
1. Verb. (idiomatic transitive) to criticise (especially small details) ¹
2. Verb. (idiomatic sports transitive) to defeat crushingly ¹
3. Verb. (idiomatic transitive) to review or analyse in great detail ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Pick Apart
Literary usage of Pick apart
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Proceedings of the National School of Dental Technics by American Institute of Dental Teachers (1897)
"•do this, I believe it is essential that he pick apart, or endeavor to pick apart,
fillings that he has made in order that he may learn how much cohesion ..."
2. The Principles and Practice of Medicine: Designed for the Use of by William Osler, Thomas McCrae (1916)
"In the psycho-neurotic symbol may be read the cryptic expression of the original
thought driven back and hidden. "To slowly analyze and pick apart the ..."
3. The Body at Work by Frances Gulick Jewett (1909)
"... press down upon it hard enough to squeeze out all the liquid; remove the board,
and with a needle of some sort pick apart the fibers as well as you can. ..."
4. Negotiating While Fighting: The Diary of Admiral C. Turner Joy at the Korean by Charles Turner Joy, Allan E. Goodman (1978)
"... reject and pick [apart?] any unreasonable, arbitrary, cunning and threatening
attitude of your side and any attitude apart from one corresponding to the ..."
5. Seeking Middle Ground on Social Security Reform by David Koitz (2001)
"We have an opportunity to pick apart the President's plan . . . and will also be
able to find some flaws in the Archer-Shaw plan, but while we are doing ..."
6. The Principles of Psychology by William James (1918)
"Who can pick apart all the nameless» feelings that stream in at every moment from
his various internal organs, muscles, heart, glands, lungs, etc., ..."
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