Shrift/ʃrɪft/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage Primarily used in the phrase 'to give short shrift', meaning to dismiss or ignore. The committee gave short shrift to the proposal. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation 'Shrift' suggests a lack of attention or consideration, often perceived as negative. His complaints were met with short shrift. Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Origins While archaic alone, 'shrift' mostly appears in the modern phrase 'short shrift'. She received short shrift from her peers.