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get rid of

 - 3 dictionary results

rid

1  [rid]
Use get rid of in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), rid or rid⋅ded, rid⋅ding.
1. to clear, disencumber, or free of something objectionable (usually fol. by of): I want to rid the house of mice. In my opinion, you'd be wise to rid yourself of the smoking habit.
2. to relieve or disembarrass (usually fol. by of): to rid the mind of doubt.
3. Archaic. to deliver or rescue: to rid them out of bondage; to rid him from his enemies.
—Idioms
4. be rid of, to be free of or no longer encumbered by: to be rid of obligations.
5. get rid of, to eliminate or discard: It's time we got rid of this trash.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME ridden (v.), OE (ge)ryddan to clear (land); c. ON rythja to clear, empty

Related forms:
ridder, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

rid 
c.1200, from O.N. ryðja (past tense ruddi, past participle ruddr) "to clear (land) of obstructions," from P.Gmc. *reudijanan (cf. O.H.G. riuten, Ger. reuten "to clear land," O.Fris. rothia "to clear," O.E. -royd "clearing," common in northern place names). The general sense of "to make (something) free (of something else)" emerged by 1565. Senses merged somewhat with Northern Eng., Scot., and U.S. dial redd. Riddance is attested from 1535.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

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.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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