revive

[ ri-vahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, re·vived, re·viv·ing.

1. to activate, set in motion, or take up again; renew:

   to revive old feuds.

   Synonyms: reactivate

2. to restore to life or consciousness:

   We revived him with artificial respiration.

   Synonyms: resuscitate, reanimate, revitalize

   Antonyms: kill

3. to put on or show (an old play or motion picture) again.
4. to make operative or valid again.

   Synonyms: reactivate

5. to bring back into notice, use, or currency:

   to revive a subject of discussion.

6. to quicken or renew in the mind; bring back:

   to revive memories.

   Synonyms: refresh, rouse

7. to reanimate or cheer (the spirit, heart, etc., or a person).
8. Chemistry. to restore or reduce to the natural or uncombined state, as a metal.

verb (used without object)

, re·vived, re·viv·ing.

1. to return to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, or a flourishing condition.
2. to recover from financial depression.
3. to be quickened, restored, or renewed, as hope, confidence, suspicions, or memories.
4. to return to notice, use, or currency, as a subject, practice, or doctrine.
5. to become operative or valid again.
6. Chemistry. to recover the natural or uncombined state, as a metal.

revive

/ rɪˈvaɪv /

verb

1. to bring or be brought back to life, consciousness, or strength; resuscitate or be resuscitated

   revived by a drop of whisky

2. to give or assume new vitality; flourish again or cause to flourish again
3. to make or become operative or active again

   the youth movement was revived

4. to bring or come into use or currency again

   to revive a language

5. tr to take up again

   he revived his old hobby

6. to bring or come back to mind
7. tr theatre to mount a new production of (an old play)

Derived Forms

• reˈvivingly, adverb
• reˈviving, adjective
• reˈvivable, adjective
• reˈvivably, adverb
• reˌvivaˈbility, noun
• reˈviver, noun

Other Words From

• re·viva·ble adjective
• re·viva·bili·ty noun
• re·viva·bly adverb
• re·viver noun
• re·viving·ly adverb
• unre·viva·ble adjective
• unre·vived adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English reviven, from Latin revīvere “to live again,” from re- re- + vīvere “to live” ( vital )

Word History and Origins

Origin of revive¹

C15: from Old French revivre to live again, from Latin revīvere , from re- + vīvere to live; see vivid

Example Sentences

A onetime world champion but now a disgraced ex-con after a drunk-driving incident that killed a boy, Mike does have a lucky break ahead: an undercard match that night at Madison Square Garden that could revive his fortunes.

From Los Angeles Times

Disneyland will revive the nighttime “Paint the Night” parade, and California Adventure will a host a return of the Pixar-focused daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration.”

From Los Angeles Times

But he is not planning to revive the promise the company made eight years ago to swear off all other foreign deals while his father occupies the White House.

From New York Times

At issue is how antiabortion government officials could revive and interpret the Comstock Act, a federal law that once banned the mailing of “obscene” materials related to abortions.

From Los Angeles Times

Ryan Garcia says he’s overcoming the mental health issues and drinking problem that led to his arrest at a Beverly Hill hotel, but can he revive his career?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arouse
• encourage
• energize
• invigorate
• overcome
• quicken
• recover
• rejuvenate
• rekindle
• renew
• renovate
• repair
• restore
• resurrect
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• strengthen