rid

¹

[ rid ]

verb (used with object)

, rid or rid·ded, rid·ding.

1. to clear, disencumber, or free of something objectionable (usually followed by of ):

   I want to rid the house of mice. In my opinion, you'd be wise to rid yourself of the smoking habit.

2. to relieve or disembarrass (usually followed by of ):

   to rid the mind of doubt.

3. Archaic. to deliver or rescue:

   to rid them out of bondage; to rid him from his enemies.

rid

²

[ rid ]

verb

, Archaic.

1. a simple past tense and past participle of ride.

rid

/ rɪd /

verb

1. foll by of to relieve or deliver from something disagreeable or undesirable; make free (of)

   to rid a house of mice

2. get rid of
   to relieve or free oneself of (something or someone unpleasant or undesirable)

Derived Forms

• ˈridder, noun

Other Words From

• ridder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rid¹

1150–1200; Middle English ridden (v.), Old English ( ge ) ryddan to clear (land); cognate with Old Norse rythja to clear, empty

Word History and Origins

Origin of rid¹

C13 (meaning: to clear land): from Old Norse rythja ; related to Old High German riutan to clear land

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be rid of, to be free of or no longer encumbered by:

   to be rid of obligations.

2. get rid of, to eliminate or discard:

   It's time we got rid of this trash.

More idioms and phrases containing rid

see get rid of .

Example Sentences

“The court found that ‘the public’s interest in ridding law enforcement of gangs is ‘substantial’ and that an inspector general’s decision to investigate is nonnegotiable,” he told The Times late Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Proposition 6 will get rid of the repugnant practice.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, it calls for getting rid of a provision that has allowed EPA to recruit scientists at salaries above the government pay scale for 5-year renewable contracts.

From Science Magazine

It’s not a piece of yourself you can cut out or get rid of.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone who has ever tried to get rid of a few extra kilos knows the frustration: the weight drops initially, only to be back within a matter of weeks -- the yo-yo effect has struck.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• clear
• eliminate
• eradicate
• liberate
• purge
• relieve
• unload