reboot

[ree-boot, ree-boot, ree-boot]

verb (used with object)

1. to restart (a computer) by loading the operating system; boot again.

2. to produce a distinctly new version of (an established media franchise, as a film, TV show, video game, or comic book).

   The studio is rebooting Spider-Man.

3. to make a change in (something) in order to establish a new beginning: Lower interest rates are intended to reboot the economy.

   She’s rebooting her career.

   Lower interest rates are intended to reboot the economy.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a computer) to be restarted.

noun

1. an act or instance of restarting a computer.

2. an act or instance of making a change in order to establish a new beginning.

   a reboot of our product line.

3. a distinctly new version of an established media franchise.

   The show will be a gritty reboot of the classic TV series from the 1970s.

reboot

/ riːˈbuːt /

verb

1. to shut down and restart (a computer system) or (of a computer system) to shut down and restart

reboot

1. A term that comes from computer usage. To reboot a computer is to start it up again after a computer crash. Hence, “reboot” has the connotation of starting a process over again.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reboot¹

First recorded in 1970–75; re- ( def. ) + boot ¹ (in the sense “to start a computer”)

Example Sentences

The trailer announcing the reboot of the classic PBS series was released Monday, with host Mychal Threets — also known as Mychal the Librarian — teasing new episodes with celebrity guests, art projects and more.

From Los Angeles Times

How is the recently rebooted “Lynley” series different from the original?

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps the rebooted No 10 will start getting better results.

From BBC

They have dozens of new MPs, and a rebooted team on their front bench.

From BBC

It gets us on the topic of reboots — and my hesitation with Hollywood’s proclivity to try to recapture lightning in a bottle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reset