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rid

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get rid of (someone or something)

To discard, eliminate, or become free from something or someone. We finally got rid of your younger brother, he's so annoying! Would you please get rid of that filthy couch already?

See also: get, of, rid

rid out

(chiefly Midwestern United States) To clean, empty, or clear out (something or some space). Primarily heard in US. You've got to learn to rid out some of these negative thoughts you've been having, and make room for some positive emotions. I'll be spending this weekend ridding out the garage.

See also: out, rid

rid up

(chiefly Midwestern United States) To clean or tidy up; to empty or clear out (something or some space). Primarily heard in US. When we were growing up, we were all expected to help rid up after each meal. I'll be spending this weekend ridding up the garage.

See also: rid, up

be rid of

To separate oneself from something or someone else. I'm so glad to be rid of that project. It had so many parts and felt like a burden for weeks! Thank God we're finally rid of our houseguests and can go back to living our normal lives!

See also: of, rid

*rid of someone or something

free of someone or something. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) I'm trying to get rid of Mr. Smith. He's bothering me. I'll be happy when I get rid of my old car.

See also: of, rid

rid (oneself or something) of (someone or something)

to free oneself or something of someone or something; to deliver oneself or something from someone or something. The boys were not clever enough to rid themselves of Tom's little sister. Will we ever be able to rid this house of spiders?

See also: of, rid

get rid of

Also, be rid of. Eliminate, discard, or free oneself from. For example, It's time we got rid of these old newspapers, or He kept calling for months, but now we're finally rid of him. The first expression dates from the mid-1600s, the second from the 1400s. Also see get out of, def. 5.

See also: get, of, rid

rid of

v.

1. To make someone or something become free of something else: The peace movement hoped to rid the world of violence. I was finally able to rid myself of all financial worries. I can't seem to get rid of this cold.

2. To throw out something; dispose of something. Used in the passive with get: I got rid of the old magazines that were cluttering up my office.

See also: of, rid

get rid of

To rid oneself of (something); discard or get free of: Let's get rid of that broken chair.

See also: get, of, rid