rift

¹rift

noun \ˈrift\

Definition of RIFT

1

a : fissure, crevasse b : fault 5

2

: a clear space or interval

3

: breach, estrangement

Examples of RIFT

1. The fight will only widen the rift with his brother.
2. the rift in the rock
3. We could see some stars through the rifts in the clouds.
4. Scientists are studying the Mid-Atlantic Rift.

Origin of RIFT

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan & Norwegian rift fissure, Old Norse rīfa to rive — more at rive

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RIFT

Synonyms: check, chink, cleft, cranny, crevice, fissure, crack, split

Related Words: crevasse; craze, hairline; fracture, rupture; breach, gap, opening; cut, gash, incision, slit

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with RIFT

drift, gift, grift, lift, shift, shrift, sift, squiffed, swift, thrift