come apart

To separate into pieces or parts.

• This box can come apart.
• The toy came apart when I dropped it.
• Will the shelves come apart for the move?

How to use it: come apart at something (The jacket came apart at the shoulder seam.)

Similar words: separate, fall apart

Opposites: hold together

Common phrases: come apart easily, come apart at seams, come apart suddenly, come apart completely

To become so upset that you cannot control your feelings or manage normally.

• She came apart after the funeral.
• He was coming apart under the pressure of work.
• I tried to stay calm, but I came apart when I heard the news.

Similar words: break down, fall apart

Common phrases: come apart emotionally, come apart under pressure