take apart

1.  Dismantle or disassemble, as in They had to take apart the stereo before they could move it. This usage was first recorded in 1936.
2.  Examine thoroughly, analyze or dissect, as in The teacher embarrassed Tom by taking his thesis apart in front of the class. [Mid-1900s]
3.  Beat up, thrash, as in You'd better be careful; those boys will take you apart. [Slang; mid-1900s]

The verb has 3 meanings:

Meaning #1: take apart into its constituent pieces
  Synonyms: disassemble, dismantle, break up, break apart

Meaning #2: divide into pieces
  Synonym: dismember

Meaning #3: make a mathematical, chemical, or grammatical analysis of; break down into components or essential features
  Synonyms: analyze, analyse, break down, dissect