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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George
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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.
GM shut down its robotaxi division Cruise to "refocus autonomous driving development on personal vehicles".
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
The principle of his proposal is to refocus governing energy on boosting productivity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
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
"Porsche must refocus on its core business," said Michael Leiters, who took over as the manufacturer's chief executive at the start of this year.
From Barron's ● May 8, 2026
I tried to refocus, when I saw my mom crouched over the sink next to me.
From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya
Definitions 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.
