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

“If we can get rid of enough people, then our way of life can become more sustainable.”

From Salon

“We have to have a larger portion of our groundwater recharge coming from managing rainwater, in getting rid of impervious surfaces and letting it infiltrate,” Winter said.

From Los Angeles Times

“You can’t just get rid of all the stuff in the federal government without people screaming their heads off,” Kamarck said.

From Los Angeles Times

Brokers say getting rid of broker fees will actually lead to higher rents because landlords will refuse to pay brokers and instead include them in the rent — say, upping the rent by $400 a month, to spread out a $5,000 fee over a 12-month lease.

From Salon

One of his tasks as defence secretary could be to act on Trump's campaign promises to get rid of US generals who he accuses of pursuing progressive policies in the force.

From BBC

Related Words

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