rift

1 of 2

noun

ˈrift 

1

a

: fissure, crevasse

b

: fault sense 4

2

: a clear space or interval

3

: breach, estrangement

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

: penetrate

Synonyms

Noun

• check
• chink
• cleft
• crack
• cranny
• crevice
• fissure
• split

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

Noun

Biden’s warning on weapons highlights the widening U.S. rift with Israel. —Liam Stack, New York Times, 9 May 2024

Slowly, Nguyen began to process both his depression and the rift that opened up with his family. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing rift

• heal the rift/breach
• rift valley

Kids Definition

rift

1 of 2 noun

ˈrift 

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

: cleave entry 2, split