What does rift mean?
A rift is a break or division of any kind, but it is most often used for a serious disagreement between people, groups, or institutions. The word suggests more than an ordinary disagreement: a rift may separate allies, divide a community, or damage a relationship. In physical contexts, a rift is a crack or narrow opening in rock, earth, or another surface. As a verb, “to rift” means to split or become separated, particularly in a social or organizational context. The term carries a generally serious or consequential tone, and it is often paired with expressions such as “a rift between,” “a widening rift,” and “bridge the rift.” It is useful when describing divisions that are important, visible, or difficult to repair.
A serious disagreement or division between people, groups, or organizations; also, a narrow crack or opening in a physical surface.
"The policy created a rift within the family."
The figurative sense is more common in contemporary usage. “A rift between” is a common construction.
To split, divide, or become separated, especially as a result of disagreement.
"The organization rifted into two competing factions."
This use is formal and is most often applied to relationships, communities, or organizations.
The plural is formed by adding -s; “rifts” is used for multiple divisions, disagreements, or physical cracks.
"The negotiations failed to resolve the rifts between the two communities."
A rift can describe a crack in a mountain or a crack in an alliance: one word for breaks that are both physical and social.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of rift
The word comes from Old Norse, where the related verb rifa meant “to tear” or “to split.” English acquired the noun in the sense of a split or fissure and developed the figurative sense of a division between people or groups. The modern verb “rift,” meaning to split or divide, derives from the same historical root and is especially associated with relationships and organizations.
Related word forms
How rift is actually used
In its common figurative use, “rift” emphasizes a significant or damaging division, especially between groups. The physical sense, “a crack or narrow opening,” is also common. As a verb, it is somewhat formal and is often used when describing relationships or organizations breaking apart.
Easily confused with rift
A rift is a division, crack, or disagreement, whereas a riptide is a powerful current flowing away from shore.