rid

verb

ˈrid 

rid also ridded; ridding

transitive verb

1

: to make free : relieve, disencumber

rid the complexion of blemishes

be rid of worries

get rid of that junk

2

archaic : save, rescue

Synonyms

• clear
• disburden
• disencumber
• divest
• free
• relieve
• unburden

Examples of rid in a Sentence

worked two jobs to rid himself of debt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ridden to clear, probably from Old English *ryddan; akin to Old High German riutan to clear land, Old Norse rythja

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing rid

• be rid of
• get rid of
• rid (oneself) of
• rid (someone or something) of
• want rid of
• well rid of

Kids Definition

rid

verb

ˈrid 

rid also ridded; ridding

: to make free : relieve

rid yourself of worries

get rid of that junk