What does "rigged" mean?

1. (dishonestly manipulated) arranged in a dishonest way so that a specific person wins or a certain result happens. 2. (equipped with ropes/sails) having all the necessary ropes, sails, or equipment attached and ready to use. 3. (to set up equipment) to set up or assemble equipment, often in a temporary or clever way.

rigged

adj. · v.

US //ˈɹɪɡd// UK //ɹˈɪɡd// rigged

1 dishonestly manipulated (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

arranged in a dishonest way so that a specific person wins or a certain result happens.

prearranged or manipulated through fraudulent means to ensure a predetermined outcome.

Example

Many people believed the election was rigged because the numbers didn't make sense.

Example

The investigation revealed that the bidding process had been rigged to favour a company owned by the mayor's brother-in-law.
2 equipped with ropes/sails (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

having all the necessary ropes, sails, or equipment attached and ready to use.

fully equipped with rigging, such as masts, sails, and ropes on a vessel, or cables on a structure.

Example

The ship was fully rigged and ready to leave the harbour at dawn.

Example

The square-rigged vessel struggled to maintain its course against the sudden crosswinds in the narrow channel.
- equipped
- fitted
- unrigged

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3 to set up equipment (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to set up or assemble equipment, often in a temporary or clever way.

to assemble or set up equipment, typically involving ropes, cables, or temporary structures. Transitive — takes a direct object.

Example

They rigged a temporary shower using a bucket and some plastic tubing.

Example

The stagehands rigged the lighting trusses overnight to ensure the theatre was ready for the morning rehearsal.
- assemble
- set up
- install
- dismantle

Origin

From rig + -ed.

Idioms1 entry

01
fully rigged
Well-equipped.