Tore something apart suddenly and forcefully, creating a hole or separation.
Possibly from Dutch 'rippen' or Scandinavian languages. The exact origin is uncertain, but it's related to 'rip' as a strip or rent in fabric, dating back to Middle English.
The word 'rip' might come from sailors' vocabulary—you 'rip' a sail when tearing the canvas for repair! It's one of those words that sounds exactly like what it means—try saying it harshly and feel how your mouth 'rips' the sound apart.
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