rip-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈrip-ˌȯf 

1

: an act or instance of stealing : theft

also : a financial exploitation

The so-called deal turned out to be a rip-off.

2

: a usually cheap exploitive imitation

a rip-off of a designer bag

rip off

2 of 2

verb

ripped off; ripping off; rips off

transitive verb

1

a

: rob

also : cheat, defraud

ripped off some unsuspecting tourists

b

: steal

sneakily ripping off store merchandise

2

: to copy or imitate blatantly or unscrupulously

The film ripped off a better one made years ago.

3

: to perform, achieve, or score quickly or easily

ripped off 10 straight points

Synonyms of rip-off

Noun

• theft

Verb

• rob
• steal (from)

Examples of rip-off in a Sentence

Noun

a daring burglary of the art museum that resulted in one of the greatest rip-offs in history

Verb

the teens ripped off the store where they had been working for the summer

the thief ripped off some jewelry as soon as no one was looking

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As of Tuesday, no arrests have been announced in the memorabilia rip-off. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Even after 22 years of rip-offs, Samara’s final reveal is still best viewed through one’s fingers. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

With Florida leading a 20-17 lead, however, Baugh ripped off a 13-yard gain on second down and eventually capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Some of the more envelope-pushing moments, including an extended scene of nuns ripping off their habits and rubbing themselves on a life-sized crucifix, were in the script. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rip-off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

rip-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈrip-ˌȯf

: an act or an instance of ripping off

rip off

2 of 2 verb

ˈrip-ˈȯf

1

: rob sense 1a

also : to cheat someone : defraud

2

: steal entry 1 sense 2a