rip-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈrip-ˌȯf 

1

: an act or instance of stealing : theft

also : a financial exploitation

2

: a usually cheap exploitive imitation

rip off

2 of 2

verb

ripped off; ripping off; rips off

transitive verb

1

a

: rob

also : cheat, defraud

b

: steal

2

: to copy or imitate blatantly or unscrupulously

3

: to perform, achieve, or score quickly or easily

ripped off 10 straight points

Synonyms

Noun

• grab
• heist
• pinch
• snatching
• swiping
• theft

Verb

• burglarize
• burgle
• knock off
• knock over
• rob
• steal (from)
• take off [slang]

Examples of rip-off in a Sentence

Noun

a daring burglary of the art museum that resulted in one of the greatest rip-offs in history

Verb

the teens ripped off the store where they had been working for the summer

the thief ripped off some jewelry as soon as no one was looking

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a short while, such programs will be viewed as laughable anachronisms; a few years later, as dangerous rip-offs worthy of elaborate progressive consumer protections. —Ryan Craig, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

But The Pitt and its characters earn your attention, which is something a mere rip-off couldn’t do. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

But then the Wolverines ripped off a 34-14 run the rest of the way, led by a career-high 36 points from FAU transfer Vladislav Goldin and another 20 from Auburn transfer Tre Donaldson, who was 6 for 10 from 3-point range. —Justin Williams, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Heath hauled in his circus grab at the Bears’ 21-yard line, and one play later, Emanuel Wilson ripped off a 21-yard touchdown run that pulled the Packers within 21-19. —Rob Reischel, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

rip-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈrip-ˌȯf

: an act or an instance of ripping off

rip off

2 of 2 verb

ˈrip-ˈȯf

1

: rob sense 1a

also : to cheat someone : defraud

2

: steal entry 1 sense 2a