What does rid mean?
“Rid” means to remove something undesirable, or to make a person, place, or situation free from a burden. Its most familiar use is in the phrasal verb “get rid of,” as in getting rid of old possessions, troublesome responsibilities, or an unwanted condition. The construction “rid someone of something” is somewhat more formal and can refer to freeing someone from fear, doubt, debt, pain, or another difficult condition. Although the basic meaning is straightforward, the word often carries an implication of complete relief or liberation: the unwanted thing is not merely reduced but removed altogether. “Rid” is used in both British and American English and is common in everyday speech as well as formal writing. In the related adjective sense, a person or thing can be “rid of” something, meaning free from it. The word should not be confused with “ride,” which refers to travelling on an animal or vehicle.
To remove something undesirable or burdensome from a person, place, or situation.
"The medicine helped to rid him of his pain."
Common in the phrasal construction “get rid of”; “rid someone of something” is more formal and often describes freeing someone from a burden.
Free from or no longer burdened by something.
"After the warning, the area was rid of dangerous debris."
Most often encountered in the expression “rid of,” especially in formal or literary contexts.
In “get rid of,” three letters carry the whole idea of liberation: the unwanted thing goes, and you are left unburdened.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rid come from?
The word is historically connected with Old English “rīdan,” meaning “to ride,” and with related forms in German “reiten” and Dutch “rijden.” Its modern sense of removing or freeing from a burden developed during the early modern period. The familiar phrase “get rid of” preserves the word’s central idea of clearing away something that has become burdensome.
Related word forms
How rid is actually used
The phrase “get rid of” is informal but widely accepted in everyday British and American English. “Rid someone of something” is more formal and often describes removing a burden, problem, or emotional state; “rid someone of something” can also sound slightly old-fashioned in formal writing. The adjective sense “rid of” means free from or no longer burdened by something.
Easily confused with rid
“Ride” means to travel on or astride an animal or vehicle, whereas “rid” usually means to remove or get free from something unwanted.