rip-off

1 of 2

noun

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

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
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
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
The Grizzlies needed 35 seconds to tie the game and promptly ripped off an 11-0 run to jump in front. Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 In a video posted on Facebook Monday, Garcia was shown ripping off his electronic ankle bracelet that he was required to wear as part of his bail. Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rip-off 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rip-off was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near rip-off

Cite this Entry

“Rip-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rip-off. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rip-off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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