Rift Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

1

:

a situation in which two people, groups, etc., no longer have a friendly relationship

• The fight will only widen the rift with his brother.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

— often + between

• Nothing could heal the rift between them.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

2

a

:

a deep crack or opening in the ground, a rock, etc.

• the rift in the rock
• We could see some stars through the rifts in the clouds.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

b

geology

:

a break in the Earth's crust

• Scientists are studying the Mid-Atlantic Rift.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples