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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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.
Nusseibeh appeared to nod toward Washington’s efforts to refocus the U.N. on its core mission by acknowledging in her vision statement that funding cuts are likely permanent.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
I know that’s a pretty heavy story to wade through, so my colleagues have put together a few lighter reads to help you refocus:
From Slate ● Oct. 20, 2026
UniCredit is notably proposing to make cuts in Commerzbank’s international network, deemed too complex and inefficient, and to refocus the bank on its activities in Germany.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
He wants the UK government to pause its asylum dispersal scheme to allow the city "to be able to refocus itself".
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
I was so mad, but I had to try to get myself back under control, to refocus and get back into the match.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
