/ rɪg; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb ( -gg- ) [ vn ] [ usually passive ]
1.
to arrange or influence sth in a dishonest way in order to get the result that you want
SYN fix :
He said the election had been rigged.
to rig the market (= to cause an artificial rise or fall in prices, in order to make a profit)
2.
rig sth (with sth) to provide a ship or boat with ropes, sails, etc.; to fit the sails, etc. in position
3.
rig sth (up) (with sth) to fit equipment somewhere, sometimes secretly :
The lights had been rigged (up) but not yet tested.
The car had been rigged with about 300 lbs of explosive.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- rig sb/sth / yourself out (in / with sth)
- rig sth up
■ noun
1.
(especially in compounds) a large piece of equipment that is used for taking oil or gas from the ground or the bottom of the sea :
an oil rig
2.
the way that the masts and sails on a boat, etc. are arranged
3.
( NAmE , informal ) a large lorry / truck
4.
equipment that is used for a special purpose :
a CB radio rig
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WORD ORIGIN
verb senses 2 to 3 and noun pvsym. late 15th cent. (in nautical use): perhaps of Scandinavian origin: compare with Norwegian rigga bind or wrap up. The noun dates from the early 19th cent.
verb sense 1 late 18th cent. (in the noun sense): of unknown origin.