rid of (someone or something)

rid of (someone or something)

1. adjective No longer having someone or something as a concern, burden, or unwanted attachment. I'm so glad to be rid of that project. It had so many parts and felt like a burden for weeks! I can't wait until the day I am finally rid of this miserable disease. We've been scheming ways to get rid of Jacobson, but he holds too much power on the board.2. verb To cause or allow someone, something, or oneself to be free of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rid" and "of." The president vowed to rid the country of criminals by any means necessary. I've been trying to rid myself of this cold for weeks. We'll happily rid you of that pesky journalist, but the means won't be exactly legal.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

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