rip

The word "rip" is used when something is damaged or torn:

Someone ripped this picture.	The usher ripped the tickets.

• I ripped my shirt.
• If you aren’t careful you’ll rip your jacket.
• An usher rips tickets as movie goers enter a theater.
• David ripped up his test when he got it back from the teacher.
• The owner of the building angrily ripped down some flyers that were posted on the wall. (A "flyer" is an announcement, information, or something that promotes a personal interest.)
• Sam quickly ripped off his shirt and dove into the water. (rip off = take off clothes)

The word "rip" can be used as a noun:

• There’s a rip in my jacket. (This sentence uses "rip" as a noun.)
• It’s now fashionable to have a rip in your jeans. Some women wear jeans with several rips.

You can also use "rip" in some slang:

Bruce looks strong.

He’s totally ripped.

• Bruce looks really ripped. He’s been working out. (To be ripped, is to have a lot of muscles or have a strong physique.)
• Donna ripped into her boyfriend because he was late picking her up. (rip into = express anger or criticize)
• The guy who sold me my phone ripped me off. (rip off = cheat)
• This is a rip off.

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This page was first published on February 11, 2012.