reanimate

American  

[ree-an-uh-meyt] / ˌriˈæn əˌmeɪt /

verb (used with object)

reanimated, reanimating

1. to restore to life; resuscitate.

2. to give fresh vigor, spirit, or courage to.

3. to stimulate to renewed activity.

---

reanimate British  

/ riːˈænɪmeɪt /

verb

1. to refresh or enliven (something) again

   to reanimate their enervated lives

2. to bring back to life

---

Other Word Forms

• reanimation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of reanimate

First recorded in 1605–15; re- + animate

Explanation

To reanimate is to bring someone (or something) back to life, or to give them renewed energy. A new lead singer might be just the thing your band needs to reanimate its concerts. You can reanimate someone in a literal way by giving them CPR after a heart attack — and you can also reanimate them more figuratively, simply by getting them excited about a fun weekend plan. Even if your friend is half asleep on a Monday morning in math class, the idea of a Saturday at the amusement park might be enough to reanimate her. The Latin root animare means "give breath to" and "endow with spirit."

Example Sentences

Spear dies a hero at the second season’s close, only for a shaman to reanimate him in the third season premiere as a zombie.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

This “Hamlet” isn’t a dainty affair but a colorful attack meant to reanimate a cracking good tale.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

As the original firebrands age, a new generation looks to tinker with the system, loosen its ideological strictures, and even reanimate a national compact.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

The exhibition endeavors to reanimate these artworks by re-awakening their sensory capacities.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Hazel didn’t think it was so impressive compared to the powers of a guy who could reanimate skeletons and bring people back from the dead, but it felt good to surprise him for a change.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan