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

After a series of unfortunate eventsand increasingly violent visitations, a media frenzy surrounds them and the Warrens turn up to rid the house of creepy crawlies.

From Los Angeles Times

"People say there is no loyalty in football, but no one complains when a team gets rid of a player, do they?" said the ex-Watford captain.

From BBC

“I would like to see if we could get rid of the lease.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some in the valley have not got rid of the loud chugging of the generator quite yet.

From BBC

Kinga-A’s suspicion is that one of the other Kingas is plotting to get rid of the rest of them, and that this man is playing a part in that.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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