English Explanatory Dictionary

rift

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A chasm or fissure.
  2. A lack of cohesion; a state of conflict, incompatibility, or emotional distance.
  3. A break in the clouds, fog, mist etc., which allows light through.
  4. A shallow place in a stream; a ford.
verb
  1. To form a rift; to split open.
  2. To cleave; to rive; to split.
verb
  1. To belch.
verb
  1. past participle of rive

Pronunciation

rĭft /ɹɪft/ En-us-rift.oga

Word forms

rift rifts rifting rifted

Etymology

From Middle English rift, of North Germanic origin; akin to Danish rift, Norwegian Bokmål rift (“breach”), Old Norse rífa (“to tear”). More at rive.

Derived words

palaeorift paleorift riftless rift saw riftsawn rift valley rifty rift zone
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