rid

 
Pronunciation: /rɪd/

verb (rids, ridding; past and past participle rid or archaic ridded)

[with object] (rid someone/thing of)
  • make someone or something free of (an unwanted person or thing): boil the peel to rid it of bitterness
  • (be rid of) be freed or relieved of: she couldn’t wait to be rid of us

Phrases

be well rid of

be in a better state for having removed (a troublesome or unwanted person or thing): she thought the world was well rid of him

get rid of

take action so as to be free of (a troublesome or unwanted person or thing): we have been campaigning to get rid of the car tax for 20 years

Origin:

Middle English: from Old Norse rythja. The original sense 'to clear' described clearing land of trees and undergrowth; this gave rise to 'free from rubbish or encumbrances', later becoming generalized