rift

1 of 2

noun

1
2
: a clear space or interval
3

rift

2 of 2

verb

rifted; rifting; rifts

intransitive verb

: to burst open

transitive verb

1
: cleave, divide
hills were rifted by the earthquake
2

Examples of rift in a Sentence

Noun The fight will only widen the rift with his brother. the rift in the rock We could see some stars through the rifts in the clouds. Scientists are studying the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Experts who spoke with Newsweek warned that the rift now developing between the two typically friendly nations could be exploited by China politically and economically. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Establishing ground rules ahead of time can hopefully help avoid hurt feelings, which can grow into deeper rifts over time and have negative effects on children and potentially rob them of a fruitful relationship with their grandparents. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
After continents rift, or break apart, hot, dense rock detaches from the base of tectonic plates in blobs, which generate waves beneath Earth’s crust. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025 Rami and Shirley can’t agree on what to do with the baby, which begins to rift their relationships. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rift

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Norwegian rift fissure, Old Norse rīfa to rive — more at rive

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of rift was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rift. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rift

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: an opening made by splitting or separation : cleft
b
: a normal geological fault
2
: a break in friendly relations : breach

rift

2 of 2 verb

More from Merriam-Webster on rift

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