respawn

American  

[ree-spawn] / riˈspɔn /

verb (used without object)

1. (of a character or item in a video game) to reenter an existing game environment at a fixed point after having been defeated or otherwise removed from play.

   If another player character has already opened the treasure chest, you will have to wait a few minutes for the chest to respawn.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the respawning of a character or item in a video game: respawn animations.

   the respawn rate;

   respawn animations.

Etymology

Origin of respawn

First recorded in 1990–95; re- + spawn

Example Sentences

The company last year sought input from users of gaming company Razer’s products to develop Respawn, a sugar-free line of gums and mints aimed at gamers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Zampella was best known for co-creating the "Call of Duty" franchise and founding Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind "Titanfall," "Apex Legends," and the "Star Wars Jedi" games.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

Zampella's death was confirmed by Electronic Arts, which owns Respawn Entertainment, a game studio he co-founded.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Respawn Entertainment began with a mission to build a better shooter.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

Respawn, the studio behind popular games “Apex Legends” and “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” has a big presence in Los Angeles but also opened studios in Canada and Wisconsin.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025