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

Proposition 6 will get rid of the repugnant practice.

From Los Angeles Times

"It was for getting rid of weeds."

From BBC

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

"The only way that people can pay the inheritance is get rid of the farm - so corporates buy it," the party's environment, food and rural affairs spokesperson Tim Farron told BBC Breakfast.

From BBC

Related Words

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