1. To tear something off or away from something else, especially with intense, violent force. A noun or pronoun can be used between "rip" and "away." Quit ripping the bark away from the tree like that—it isn't good for it! The kids ran into the room full of presents and began ripping away wrapping paper as fast as they could.

2. To remove someone from something or someone else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is usually used between "rip" and "away." It was heartbreaking watching them rip him away from his family like that. They had to rip me away from the party.