ripoff

or rip-off

[ rip-awf, -of ]
/ ˈrɪpˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun Slang.

an act or instance of ripping off another or others; a theft, cheat, or swindle.
exploitation, especially of those who cannot prevent or counter it.
a copy or imitation.
a person who rips off another or others; thief or swindler.

Origin of ripoff

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase rip off

Definition for rip-off (2 of 2)

Origin of rip

1
1470–80; 1960–65 for def 10; obscurely akin to Frisian rippe, dialectal Dutch rippen; compare dialectal English ripple to scratch

SYNONYMS FOR rip

1 See tear2.
7 laceration, cut.

OTHER WORDS FROM rip

rip·pa·ble, adjective un·rip·pa·ble, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rip

burglarize mug rip off rob steal (see synonym study at rob)

Example sentences from the Web for rip-off

British Dictionary definitions for rip-off (1 of 4)

RIP

abbreviation for

requiescat or requiescant in pace

Word Origin for RIP

Latin: may he, she, or they rest in peace

British Dictionary definitions for rip-off (2 of 4)

rip 1
/ (rɪp) /

verb rips, ripping or ripped

noun

the place where something is torn; a tear or split
short for ripsaw
See also rip off, rip on, rip up

Derived forms of rip

rippable, adjective

Word Origin for rip

C15: perhaps from Flemish rippen; compare Middle Dutch rippen to pull

British Dictionary definitions for rip-off (3 of 4)

rip 2
/ (rɪp) /

noun

short for riptide (def. 1)

Word Origin for rip

C18: perhaps from rip 1

British Dictionary definitions for rip-off (4 of 4)

rip 3
/ (rɪp) /

noun informal, archaic

something or someone of little or no value
an old worn-out horse
a dissolute character; reprobate

Word Origin for rip

C18: perhaps altered from rep, shortened from reprobate

Scientific definitions for rip-off

rip
[ rĭp ]

A stretch of water in a river, estuary, or tidal channel made rough by waves meeting an opposing current.
A rip current.

Idioms and Phrases with rip-off

rip