rift

[ rift ]
/ rɪft /

noun

verb (used with or without object)

to burst open; split.

Origin of rift

1250–1300; Middle English < Old Norse ript breaking of an agreement (compare Danish, Norwegian rift cleavage), derivative of rīfa to tear (cognate with rive)

OTHER WORDS FROM rift

rift·less, adjective un·rift·ed, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rift

riff rift

Example sentences from the Web for rift

British Dictionary definitions for rift (1 of 2)

rift 1
/ (rɪft) /

noun

a gap or space made by cleaving or splitting; fissure
geology a long narrow zone of faulting resulting from tensional stress in the earth's crust
a gap between two cloud masses; break or chink he saw the sun through a rift in the clouds
a break in friendly relations between people, nations, etc

verb

to burst or cause to burst open; split

Word Origin for rift

C13: from Old Norse; related to Danish rift cleft, Icelandic ript breach of contract

British Dictionary definitions for rift (2 of 2)

rift 2
/ (rɪft) /

noun US

a shallow or rocky part in a stream
the backwash from a wave that has just broken

Word Origin for rift

C14: from Old Norse rypta; related to Icelandic ropa to belch

Scientific definitions for rift

rift
[ rĭft ]

A continental rift.
A narrow break, crack, or other opening in a rock, usually made by cracking or splitting.