refocus

American  

[ree-foh-kuhs] / riˈfoʊ kəs /

verb (used with object)

1. to bring (a lens, beam of light, one's gaze, etc.) into focus again or on a new point.

2. to concentrate (thought, efforts, or the like) again or on a new task, subject, or target.

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verb (used without object)

1. of a lens or beam of light, to come into focus again or on a new point.

2. 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.

Example Sentences

With only four matches remaining this season for Real, Arbeloa's immediate priority will be to restore stability, refocus the squad and prevent further deterioration in performances and discipline.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Microsoft has an opportunity to refocus investors on something other than its disappointing cloud growth when it reports earnings on Wednesday afternoon.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Nestlé said on Thursday that it had agreed to sell Blue Bottle Coffee, a coffee roaster, to Centurium Capital, part of an effort to slim down and refocus around core brands.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

“I thought one of the good things we did on a bipartisan basis was to refocus audits on the people who are most likely to be tax cheats,” Whitehouse said.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 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