# get rid of sb/sth

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-rid-of-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to throw something away, give it to someone else, or make someone leave because you do not want them anymore.

For teachers: to eliminate or discard an unwanted object, person, or situation; functions as a multi-word transitive verb with a fixed prepositional component.

## Examples

- I need to get rid of these old clothes.
- The company decided to get rid of the old machinery to make room for new technology.
- After years of political instability, the citizens finally found a way to get rid of the corrupt administration through a peaceful democratic process.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I want to get rid my old car." but "I want to get rid of my old car." — the phrase is incomplete without the preposition 'of' before the object.

## Usage notes

- always followed by the preposition 'of' and an object.
- Teaching tip: students often forget the 'of'; anchor it by comparing it to 'dispose of' or 'clear out'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.