WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
rip1 /rɪp/USA pronunciation
v., ripped, rip•ping, n.
v.
n. [countable]
rip•per, n. [countable]
RIP or R.I.P., an abbreviation of:
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026v.
- to tear apart roughly or vigorously: [~ + object]to rip open a seam.[~ + up + object]He ripped up the newspaper.[~ + object + up]He ripped it up.[no object]Her slacks ripped when she fell.
- Informal Terms to move with violence or great speed:[no object]The car ripped along in a cloud of dust.
- rip into, [Informal.][~ + into + object] to attack strongly;
assail:really ripped into the proposal. - rip off, [Slang.]
- to steal: [~ + off + object]Someone ripped off his expensive new sports car.[~ + object + off]Someone must have ripped it off.
- to cheat or take from dishonestly: [~ + object + off]The car dealer tried to rip us off.[~ + off + object]trying to rip off the tourists.
n. [countable]
- a tear made by ripping:a rip in her jacket.
- Idioms let her or it rip, [no object][Slang.]
- to allow something to go on freely or without holding anything back:He revved up the engine and let her rip.
rip•per, n. [countable]
RIP or R.I.P., an abbreviation of:
- Foreign Termsmay he or she or they rest in peace (used on a gravestone).
rip1
(rip),USA pronunciation v., ripped, rip•ping, n.
v.t.
rip3 (rip),USA pronunciation n. [Informal.]
Rip (rip),USA pronunciation n.
R.I.P.,
v.t.
- to cut or tear apart in a rough or vigorous manner:to rip open a seam; to rip up a sheet.
- to cut or tear away in a rough or vigorous manner:to rip bark from a tree.
- to saw (wood) in the direction of the grain.
- to become torn apart or split open:Cheap cloth rips easily.
- Informal Termsto move with violence or great speed:The sports car ripped along in a cloud of dust and exhaust fumes.
- let rip, [Slang.]
- to utter a series of oaths;
swear. - to speak or write violently, rapidly, or at great length.
- to allow to proceed at full speed or without restraint.
- to utter a series of oaths;
- rip into, [Informal.]to attack physically or verbally;
assail. - rip off, [Slang.]
- to steal or pilfer.
- to rob or steal from.
- to swindle, cheat, or exploit;
take advantage of:phony charity appeals that rip off a gullible public.
- rip out, [Informal.]to utter angrily, as with an oath or exclamation.
- a rent made by ripping;
tear. - Slang Termsa cheat, swindle, or theft;
ripoff:The average consumer doesn't realize that the new tax is a rip. - 1470–80; 1960–65 for def. 8; obscurely akin to Frisian rippe, dialect, dialectal Dutch rippen; compare dialect, dialectal English ripple to scratch
v.i.
n.
- 1. See tear 2. 10. laceration, cut.
- Oceanographya stretch of turbulent water at sea or in a river.
- see rip1, ripple1 1765–75
rip3 (rip),USA pronunciation n. [Informal.]
- Informal Termsa dissolute or worthless person.
- Informal Termsa worthless or worn-out horse.
- Informal Termssomething of little or no value.
- probably alteration of rep, shortened form of reprobate 1770–80
Rip (rip),USA pronunciation n.
- a male given name, form of Robert.
R.I.P.,
- Foreign Termsmay he or she rest in peace.
-
Latin requiēscat in pāce - Foreign Termsmay they rest in peace.
-
Latin requiēscat in pāce
'rip into' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):