plural rifts
1
: a situation in which two people, groups, etc., no longer have a friendly relationship
The fight will only widen the rift with his brother.
—often + betweenNothing could heal the rift between them.
2
a
: a deep crack or opening in the ground, a rock, etc.
the rift in the rock
We could see some stars through the rifts in the clouds.
b
geology
: a break in the Earth's crust
Scientists are studying the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
Cite this Entry
“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rift. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.
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