resurrect

American  

[rez-uh-rekt] / ˌrɛz əˈrɛkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to raise from the dead; bring to life again.

2. to bring back into use, practice, etc..

   to resurrect an ancient custom.

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verb (used without object)

1. to rise from the dead.

resurrect British  

/ ˌrɛzəˈrɛkt /

verb

1. to rise or raise from the dead; bring or be brought back to life

2. (tr) to bring back into use or activity; revive

   to resurrect an ancient law

3. (tr) to renew (one's hopes, etc)

4. facetious (tr) (formerly) to exhume and steal (a body) from its grave, esp in order to sell it

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Other Word Forms

• resurrector noun
• unresurrected adjective

Etymology

Origin of resurrect

First recorded in 1765–75; back formation from resurrection

Example Sentences

He also started diligently airbrushing or painting over photographs of the deceased: “I paint out all the abrasions, cuts and bruises, and open the eyes,” he explained, essentially resurrecting a likeness of the victim.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I don’t know if we could resurrect that. Has that been considered?”

From Los Angeles Times

Being resurrected for a fourth season doesn’t necessarily qualify a dramatic series as being among the undead, though “Industry” really is a vampire story.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the recent policy meeting, Lee resurrected the idea as a way to appeal to the country’s youth, which has grown more dissatisfied with him.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It is of deep strategic and cultural significance to our nation as we aim to resurrect and revive ancient Indian maritime concepts and capabilities in all their forms."

From Barron's

Related Words

• energize
• recover
• rejuvenate
• rekindle
• renew
• renovate
• restore
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• rouse