rid of
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To free or relieve someone or something from an unwanted or unpleasant person, thing, or condition: The verb "rid of" means to remove, eliminate, or dispose of something undesirable.
- To make a place or person free from something: It implies causing something to no longer be present or a problem.
Usage
- The verb "rid of" is typically used in the construction "to rid (someone/something) of (something)." The object being freed comes first, followed by "of" and then the unwanted element.
- It is often used in formal or serious contexts concerning removal or elimination.
Examples
- Verb:
- The new treatment aims to rid the body of the infection.
- We must rid the house of mice before winter.
- She wanted to rid herself of all feelings of guilt.
Advanced Usage
- "to be/get rid of": This is a very common related phrase meaning to dispose of something or to become free of it. Note that this is a distinct phrasal verb.
- I finally got rid of my old car.
- He was glad to be rid of the constant noise.
Variants and Related Words
- Rid (verb): The base form, used identically to "rid of" (e.g., ).
- Riddance (noun): Used primarily in the phrase "good riddance," expressing relief that someone or something unwanted has gone.
Synonyms
- Eliminate: To completely remove or get rid of.
- Remove: To take away.
- Clear: To remove objects or obstacles from a place.
- Purge: To remove unwanted people or things from a group or place, often forcefully.
Phrasal Verbs
- Get rid of: To discard, eliminate, or free oneself from something unwanted. This is the most frequently used form in everyday language.
- You should get rid of those old magazines.
- How can I get rid of this headache?
Related Idioms
- Good riddance (to bad rubbish): An expression of pleasure that an unwanted thing or person has left.
- He moved out? Good riddance!
Verb
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do away with