rip

UK: rɪp | US: rɪp

Definition

  1. v. to tear or pull something apart forcefully

  2. n. a torn or split part of something

  3. n. (slang) a fraudulent or dishonest act

Structure
rip <to tear>
Etymology

The word "rip" originates from Old English rippan, which carried the same core meaning of tearing or splitting. It is a compact Germanic root with no further divisible morphemes in modern English. The word has retained its vivid, action-oriented connotation over centuries, later expanding metaphorically (e.g., "rip-off" for fraud).

Examples

  1. Be careful not to rip the paper when unwrapping the gift.

  2. There’s a huge rip in his jeans from the fall.

  3. The storm ripped the roof off the house.

  4. (Slang) That overpriced ticket was a total rip!

  5. She ripped the letter into pieces angrily.