rehabilitate
[ ree-huh-bil-i-teyt, ree-uh- ]
/ ˌri həˈbɪl ɪˌteɪt, ˌri ə- /
verb (used with object), re·ha·bil·i·tat·ed, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ing.
to restore to a condition of good health, ability to work, or the like.
to restore to good condition, operation, or management, as a bankrupt business.
to reestablish the good reputation of (a person, one's character or name, etc.).
to restore formally to former capacity, standing, rank, rights, or privileges.
verb (used without object), re·ha·bil·i·tat·ed, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ing.
to undergo rehabilitation.
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RELATED WORDS
restore, rejuvenate, reinvigorate, rebuild, recover, refurbish, save, mend, reconstruct, reestablish, reclaim, improve, reintegrate, convert, reform, clear, redeem, renew, restitute, reinstate
Nearby words
- regurgitate,
- regurgitation,
- regurgitation jaundice,
- rehab,
- rehabilitant,
- rehabilitation,
- rehabilitation department,
- rehash,
- rehearing,
- rehearsal
Origin of rehabilitate
1570–80; < Medieval Latin rehabilitātus, past participle of rehabilitāre to restore. See re-, habilitate
SYNONYMS FOR rehabilitate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for rehabilitate
rehabilitate
/ (ˌriːəˈbɪlɪˌteɪt) /
verb (tr)
to help (a person who has acquired a disability or addiction or who has just been released from prison) to readapt to society or a new job, as by vocational guidance, retraining, or therapy
to restore to a former position or rank
to restore the good reputation of
Word Origin for rehabilitate
C16: from Medieval Latin rehabilitāre to restore, from re- + Latin habilitās skill, ability
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
rehabilitate
1570s, "to bring back to a former condition after decay or damage," back-formation from rehabilitation and in part from Medieval Latin rehabilitatus, past participle of rehabilitare. Meaning "to restore one's reputation or character in the eyes of others" is from 1847. Related: Rehabilitated; rehabilitating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
rehabilitate
[ rē′hə-bĭl′ĭ-tāt′ ]
v.
To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education.
To restore to good condition, operation, or capacity.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.