rid

¹

[rid]

verb (used with object)

rid, ridded, ridding. 

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

   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 byof ).

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

Other Word Forms

• ridder 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.

see get rid of.

Example Sentences

And exaggerated claims to have got rid of the Irish Sea border still work against the DUP and work for the TUV.

From BBC

Reform UK has also pledged to scrap the limit if it wins power, although the Conservatives have getting rid of it is not "economically credible".

From BBC

Davis encouraged residents to use insect repellent, get rid of standing water around their homes and install or repair windows to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

From Los Angeles Times

They had previously refused to rule out getting rid of EHCPs.

From BBC

“Get rid of her. Today,” the Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh demanded.

From Salon

Related Words

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