What does ridded mean?
Ridded is an archaic English verb form meaning “freed from,” “cleared of,” or “removed.” It is the former past tense and past participle of “rid,” as in phrases such as “ridded the garden of weeds.” The form is now encountered chiefly in older literature, formal writing, or quotations, although it remains readily intelligible. Its principal implication is liberation from an unwelcome burden, obstruction, or unwanted feature. “Rid” itself survives in standard expressions including “rid of” and “get rid of,” but ordinary present-day speakers normally use “rid” for both the past tense and past participle. Ridded is therefore useful chiefly as a historical or literary form rather than as a productive choice in contemporary prose.
verbThe archaic past tense and past participle of “rid,” meaning to free from or remove something.
- To free from something burdensome or unwanted; remove or clear away.
- To separate or dislodge; make room.
"She ridded the garden of weeds before the first frost."
"The new policy aims to ridd the application of unnecessary restrictions."
"They spent the afternoon ridding the stable of old straw."
Once upon a time, English speakers could “rid” without riding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ridded come from?
The underlying verb comes from Old English and ultimately from a Germanic root associated with moving or making way, which also underlies the modern word “ride.” “Rid” developed in English with senses including clearing a space and freeing from an obstruction. “Ridded” is an archaic inflection preserved as its past tense and past participle, alongside the now-standard form “rid.”
Related word forms
How ridded is actually used
Archaic and literary. In modern standard English, “ridded” is uncommon, and the usual past tense and past participle of “rid” is “rid.”