rift
noun
an opening made by splitting, cleaving, etc.; fissure; cleft; chink.
rifting
-
present participleof rift.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He added: "Our work suggests that tectonic uplift related to continental rifting and breakup created both steep slopes and high ground, providing the mountainous terrain that rivers and glaciers could readily erode."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026
"In essence, we now have a front row seat to observe a critical rifting phase that had fundamentally shaped all rifted margins across the world," says co-author Folarin Kolawole, who is also with Lamont.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 25, 2026
As this separation occurs, a process called rifting stretches the crust sideways.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 25, 2026
“There are a variety of older structures in the range, too, due to ancient rifting, that could be reactivated.”
From National Geographic ● Sep. 11, 2023
A rifting light in me Burns through the leaden broodings of the mind: O bless-ed Sun, thy state Uprisen or derogate Dafts me no more with doubt; I seek and find.
From New Poems by Francis Thompson
