Rid

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈrɪd/
• Rhymes: -ɪd

Fusion of Middle English redden ("to deliver from, rid, clear") (from Old English hreddan ("to deliver, rescue, free from, take away"), from Proto-Germanic *hradjaną ("to save, deliver")) and Middle English ridden ("to clear away, remove obstructions") (from Old English ġeryddan ("to clear land"), from Proto-Germanic *riudijaną ("to clear")). Akin to Old Frisian hredda ("to save"), German retten ("to save, deliver"), Old Norse ryðja ("to clear, empty"), Old Norse hrōðja ("to clear, strip"). More at redd.

Full definition of rid

Adjective

1. released from an obligation, problem, etc. (usually followed by "of")I’m glad to be rid of that stupid nickname.

Verb

1. To free from something.We're trying to rid the world of poverty.1170, King Henry II (offhand remark) — "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?"
• 2014, Jacob Steinberg, "Wigan shock Manchester City in FA Cup again to reach semi-finals", The Guardian, 9 March 2014:All the billions in the world and Manchester City still cannot rid themselves of the most persistent thorn in their side.

Derived terms

• get rid of

Verb

1. (obsolete)

   rid

   (past of ride)
• ThackerayHe rid to the end of the village, where he alighted.

Anagrams

• dir
• D.R.I.