refocus
Americanverb (used with object)
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to bring (a lens, beam of light, one's gaze, etc.) into focus again or on a new point.
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to concentrate (thought, efforts, or the like) again or on a new task, subject, or target.
verb (used without object)
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of a lens or beam of light, to come into focus again or on a new point.
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to concentrate one's thought, efforts, etc., again or on a new task or subject.
Explanation
The verb refocus means to readjust an optical device. If you are looking at the planets with a telescope, you may have to refocus the telescope to make everything come in clearly. The verb refocus can also mean to change priorities and concentrate on something different from before. When football season finally ends, maybe you will have the opportunity to refocus and concentrate on your studies. Refocus also means to focus anew. If your book club book is boring, you might have to refocus and give it another chance.
Vocabulary lists containing refocus
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
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George
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For eurozone bonds, negotiations on 2027 budgets will be a key risk and the talks could potentially refocus investor attention on fiscal challenges and political uncertainty, Societe Generale rates strategists said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
Gains could prove short-lived, though, as investors move past the war to refocus on economic worries and concerns about the artificial-intelligence trade.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026
The Ruesselsheim teams would in turn refocus on their core competencies -- vehicle parts such as chassis, seats, lighting, steering and driver-assistance systems.
From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026
The shift was noted over the past couple of years and has become even clearer in 2026, prompting health officials to refocus their prevention efforts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
“Right...yeah,” she said as she tried to refocus.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
