From Middle English rispen, from Old Norse rispa ("scratch"), from Proto-Germanic *ripsōną ("to rend; rip; tear open"), from Proto-Indo-European *reyb- ("to tear; snatch; pluck; reap"). Compare also Old Norse rifsa ("to plunder; reave").
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.