Get rid of somebody/something
phrasal verb
To remove or throw away something or someone that is not wanted or needed.
We need to get rid of all this old furniture.
Often appears as...
- get rid of junk
- get rid of clutter
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To make a problem, bad situation or painful feeling end.
She couldn’t get rid of her headaches.
Often appears as...
- get rid of worries
- get rid of stress
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To kill or dispose of someone to get them out of the way.
He wanted to get rid of potential witnesses.
Often appears as...
- get rid of witness
- get rid of rival
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To send someone away or tell them to leave, because they are annoying or unwanted.
I had to get rid of an annoying telemarketer.
Often appears as...
- get rid of intruder
- get rid of pest
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To remove or throw away something or someone that is not wanted or needed.
We need to get rid of all this old furniture.
Often appears as...
- get rid of junk
- get rid of clutter
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To make a problem, bad situation or painful feeling end.
She couldn’t get rid of her headaches.
Often appears as...
- get rid of worries
- get rid of stress
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To kill or dispose of someone to get them out of the way.
He wanted to get rid of potential witnesses.
Often appears as...
- get rid of witness
- get rid of rival
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To send someone away or tell them to leave, because they are annoying or unwanted.
I had to get rid of an annoying telemarketer.
Often appears as...
- get rid of intruder
- get rid of pest
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Objects
Usually refers to tangible items that one wants to clear out or throw away.
Let's get rid of these broken chairs.
Pro Tip 2/2Not About Selling
Focuses more on disposal than selling, although selling can be a means to get rid of something.
I'll get rid of my old clothes by donating them.
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