rehabilitation

British  

/ ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of rehabilitating

2. med

   1. the treatment of physical disabilities by massage, electrotherapy, or exercises

   2. ( as modifier )

      rehabilitation centre

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rehabilitation Cultural  

1. In politics, the restoration to favor of a political leader whose views or actions were formerly considered unacceptable. (Compare nonperson.)

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Explanation

Rehabilitation is the act of restoring something to its original state, like the rehabilitation of the forest that had once been cleared for use as an amusement park. The noun rehabilitation comes from the Latin prefix re-, meaning “again” and habitare, meaning “make fit.” When something falls in to disrepair and needs to be restored to a better condition, it needs rehabilitation. People seek rehabilitation after an accident or surgery to restore their strength, or to learn to live without drugs or other addictive substances or behaviors.

Example Sentences

Roberts said Smith has not been able to accelerate his rehabilitation to the point of doing baseball activities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

They also suggest the findings support greater investment in preventive care, rehabilitation programs, and other health-promoting services that help older adults build on their capacity for resilience and improvement.

From Science Daily • Jun. 21, 2026

Jumana Fouad, 19, from Ely, also received a 24-month community order and must complete 15 days of rehabilitation.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

There is the $300 billion economic rehabilitation fund that the U.S. “undertakes” to draw up and implement only after a final deal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Some friends who had undergone rehabilitation with me had already rejoined the army.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Related Words

• improvement
• overhaul
• reclamation
• reconstruction
• recovery
• repair