rid

verb16

1. •
   [with oneself] to make someone or a place free of something that causes problems or gets in the way

   • I’m glad to be rid of that stupid nickname.
   • We’re trying to rid the world of poverty.
2. •
   [with oneself] Followed by away, from, or out of: to remove (oneself or someone, or something, that is annoying, troublesome, or unwanted).

   • For the nature of the world is such, that if any man rebuke the wickednesse thereof any thing sharply, it séekes to rid them out of the way, too the intent it may sinne the more licentiously. — 1569
3. •
   [with oneself] Often followed by from, of, or out of: to free or release, or to rescue or save, (oneself or someone, or something).

   • Then comes she [Juliet] to me [Friar Laurence], / And vvith vvild lookes bid me deuise some meane / To rid her from this second mariage: / Or in my Cell there vvould she kill her selfe. — 1591
4. •
   (US, rare) Often followed by up: to put (a place, such as a room or a table) in order; to clear, to tidy.

   • VVhen you rid up the Parlour Hearth in a Morning, throvv the last Night's Ashes into a Sieve; and vvhat falls through, as you carry it dovvn, vvill serve instead of Sand for the Room and the Stairs. — 1731
5. •
   (no longer used) To clear (a place or way); especially, to clear (land) of trees, undergrowth, etc.
6. •
   (no longer used) Sometimes followed by up: to remove obstacles or refuse from (a place); to clean, to clear out; specifically, to clear or empty (the stomach).

   • Come, lads, drink up your ale, and we'll just rid this corner, so as to have all clear for beginning at the wall as soon as 'tis light to-morrow. — 1872
7. •
   (no longer used) Followed by up: to eradicate (something); to root out, to uproot.
8. •
   (no longer used) To clear land or some other place.
9. •
   (no longer used) To clear or empty the stomach; also, to clear the throat.
10. •
    (no longer used) Sometimes followed by away: to destroy or kill (someone).

    • This Gloster should be quickly rid the VVorld, / To rid vs from the feare vve haue of him. — 1591
11. •
    [with oneself] (no longer used) Followed by of: to deprive (oneself or someone) of something; to strip.

    • [Parradio] Resolude to slay the Prince, / And ridde him of his lyfe: […] — 1569
12. •
    (no longer used) Sometimes followed by away or off: to complete or get through (a task, or work).

    • I Rydde busynesse that I haue in hande I do it quyckly⸝ […] He is a quicke workeman he can rydde more worke in an houre than some can do in twayne: […] — 1530
13. •
    (Northern-England, no longer used) Of work: to be completed.

    • The Huntsman now calls in his Houndes, and at the fall of the Deere the Hornes goe apace: Now beginne the Horses to breathe, and the Labourer to sweat, and with quicke hands, worke rids apace: […] — 1626
14. •
    (no longer used) To dismiss (someone) who has attended on a person; (reflexive) to remove (oneself) from a person's presence after attending to them.

    • We be able ynough to rydde vs of this mater without the [thee]: […] — 1530
15. •
    (no longer used) To settle (a disagreement).

    • They [constables] ought to Rid Frays, and seek the Neighbours to assist for separating the parties; and such as hurt them may be punished by the Justices. — 1707
16. •
    (no longer used, rare) To get away from or get out of (a place); to escape.

    • But if I my Cage can rid, / I'le flye vvhere I neuer did. — 1615

adjective3

1. •
   As the second word in a compound: synonym of ridden (“full of; also, dominated, oppressed, or plagued by”).

   • So Cupids faire mother be thy midvvife: out and alas I am mare rid, vvhat Somners Ghost or limme of Lucifer, puts poore Bordello in minde of pennance before he hath trespassed? — 1610
2. •
   (no longer used) Chiefly of a place: which has been ridded or cleared; rid-up.

   • We will make room for you! We will make a rid road from here to Winchester! — 1866
3. •
   [after a noun] (no longer used) Only in well-rid: of a horse: ridden.

   • [F]ull ten thousand horse / Fresh and vvell rid strong Massinissa leades / As vvinges to Roman legions that march svvift / Led by that man of conquest, Scipio. — 1605

noun2

1. •
   (no longer used, rare) Progress which has been made; also, speed.
2. •
   (Northern-England, no longer used) Loose earth, rubble, etc., on the surface of a quarry which must be removed before digging can begin; rid-work.

noun1

1. •
   Acronym of recognition, intrusion and distraction, three reasons why a lifeguard may fail to notice a person drowning: (a) they may fail to recognise the instinctive drowning response; (b) they may have additional duties that intrude on lifeguarding; (c) they may be distracted.