rid

Universal Words verb (ridding, rid, rid) IDIOMS be rid of sb/sth (formal) to be free of sb/sth that has been annoying you or that you do not want: She wanted to be rid of her parents and their authority. * I was glad to be rid of the car when I finally sold it. * (BrE) He was a nuisance and we're all well rid of him (= we'll be much better without him). get rid of sb/sth to make yourself free of sb/sth that is annoying you or that you do not want; to throw sth away: Try and get rid of your visitors before I get there. * The problem is getting rid of nuclear waste. * I can't get rid of this headache. * We got rid of all the old furniture. moreatWANTv. PHRASALVERBS rid sb/sth of sb/sth (written) to remove sth that is causing a problem from a place, group, etc: Further measures will be taken to rid our streets of crime. rid yourself of sb/sth (formal) to make yourself free from sb/sth that is annoying you or causing you a problem: to rid yourself of fear / guilt / pain * He wanted to rid himself of the burden of the secret.