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rip¹

(rĭp)

v. ripped, rip·ping, rips

v.tr.

a. To cut, tear apart, or tear away roughly or energetically. See Synonyms at tear¹.

b. To cause to be pulled apart, as by an accident: He ripped his pants when he bent over.

2. To split or saw (wood) along the grain.

3. Computers To copy (audio or audio-visual material from) a CD or DVD.

4. To subject to vehement criticism or attack: The critic ripped the tedious movie.

5. Informal To produce, display, or utter suddenly: ripped out a vicious oath.

6. Vulgar Slang To expel (a discharge of intestinal gas).

v.intr.

1. To become torn or split apart.

2. Informal To move quickly or violently.

1. The act of ripping.

2. A torn or split place, especially along a seam.

3. A ripsaw.

Phrasal Verbs:

rip into

To attack or criticize vehemently: ripped into her opponent's political record.

rip off Slang

1. To steal from: thieves who ripped off the unsuspecting tourist.

2. To steal: ripped off a leather jacket while ostensibly trying on clothes.

3. To exploit, swindle, cheat, or defraud: a false advertising campaign that ripped off consumers.

Idiom:

let it/'er rip Informal

To allow something to start or happen with vigor or energy.

[Middle English rippen, from Flemish; see reup- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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