Meaning & use
Rift
Last updated
A large crack, split, or gap, either in a physical surface or in a relationship between people.
See it in a sentence
A deep rift opened in the earth's crust following the earthquake.
The disagreement over inheritance caused a lasting rift between the two brothers.
A note on using this word
"Rift" is used both literally in geology, as in "rift valley," and figuratively to describe a serious falling-out between people or groups.
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Another way to use it
2. verb
To split or break apart.
The glacier slowly rifted as the ice sheet melted.
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