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.
A major catalyst was hiring Adele and Stormzy's producer Fraser T Smith, whose "calming" influence helped the band refocus.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
GM shut down its robotaxi division Cruise to "refocus autonomous driving development on personal vehicles".
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
British mobile phone giant Vodafone said Tuesday that it sharply reduced its annual losses as it undergoes major restructuring to refocus on its core markets after years of weak performance.
From Barron's ● May 12, 2026
That has allowed many investors to refocus on earnings and pick the winners and losers of the AI boom.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
I jumped, tried to refocus my attention on him.
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
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.
