rift

1 of 2

noun

1
2
: a clear space or interval
3

rift

2 of 2

verb

rifted; rifting; rifts

intransitive verb

: to burst open

transitive verb

1
: cleave, divide
hills were rifted by the earthquake
2

Examples of rift in a Sentence

Noun The fight will only widen the rift with his brother. the rift in the rock We could see some stars through the rifts in the clouds. Scientists are studying the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Sai and Jenna were able to put water under the bridge, but her rift with Brynn only grew wider. Esther Kang, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 But the rift between the two states goes back way before the automobile. Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2024
Verb
Rami and Shirley can’t agree on what to do with the baby, which begins to rift their relationships. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 However, the supercontinent began to rift and splinter in the late Triassic about 230 million years ago. Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2022 See all Example Sentences for rift 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rift.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of rift was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rift

Cite this Entry

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rift. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rift

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: an opening made by splitting or separation : cleft
b
: a normal geological fault
2
: a break in friendly relations : breach

rift

2 of 2 verb

More from Merriam-Webster on rift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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