rid

[ rid ]

/ rɪd /

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See synonyms for: rid / ridding on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), rid or rid·ded, rid·ding.

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.

to relieve or disembarrass (usually followed by of): to rid the mind of doubt.

Archaic. to deliver or rescue: to rid them out of bondage; to rid him from his enemies.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Idioms about rid

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

get rid of, to eliminate or discard: It's time we got rid of this trash.

Origin of rid

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

OTHER WORDS FROM rid

ridder, noun

Other definitions for rid (2 of 2)

rid²

[ rid ]

/ rɪd /

verb Archaic.

a simple past tense and past participle of ride.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use rid in a sentence

High levels of antibodies mean that the person’s immune system mounted an intense effort to get rid of the virus, which is what usually happens in adults infected with the coronavirus.
The CDC released a COVID-19 test knowing it had a high failure rate|Rachael Zisk|November 9, 2020|Popular-Science
Veteran political commentator Stephen Grootes agrees that “getting rid of Ace would look very good.”
The Corruption Battle Shaping South Africa’s Future|Charu Kasturi|November 9, 2020|Ozy
This solution will also help you get rid of hard water stains on shower doors, which are basically just mineral buildup.
The one ingredient you need to clean the dishwasher and four other gross household items|Sandra Gutierrez G.|November 5, 2020|Popular-Science
Murad’s new Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel is an oil-free, non-comedogenic, water-light hydrator designed to get rid of bacteria that can lead to irritated skin thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid, Ginger Root Extract, and Salicylic Acid.
Gift Guide: The best beauty and wellness presents of 2020|Rachel King|November 1, 2020|Fortune

To get there, the plan pledges to rid the power sector of carbon emissions by 2035.
This election could decide the climate’s future|Ula Chrobak|October 29, 2020|Popular-Science
He flies far inland, following the plough, and he then rids the land of many a harmful grub.
On the Seashore|R. Cadwallader Smith
Rid′dance, act of ridding or freeing: destruction: the earth thrown up by a burrowing animal; Rid′der, one who rids or relieves.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R)|Various
In this way the organism sometimes rids itself of splinters of bone that remain in the tissues after a fracture.
Appletons' Popular Science Monthly, January 1900|Various
Until the Government rids its service of the spirit of graft the law-makers are beating around the bush.
The Itching Palm|William R Scott
Further, water assists in the removal of the daily bodily wastes, and thus rids the system of foul and poisonous substances.
General Science|Bertha M. Clark

British Dictionary definitions for rid

rid

/ (rɪd) /

verb rids, ridding, rid or ridded (tr)

(foll by of) to relieve or deliver from something disagreeable or undesirable; make free (of)to rid a house of mice

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

Derived forms of rid

ridder, noun

Word Origin for rid

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with rid

rid

see get rid of.