rehabilitation
Britishnoun
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the act or process of rehabilitating
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med
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the treatment of physical disabilities by massage, electrotherapy, or exercises
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( as modifier )
rehabilitation centre
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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.
Vocabulary lists containing rehabilitation
Flowers for Algernon
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A Long Way Gone
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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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.
It only covers medical and limited rehabilitation costs.
From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026
The statement added: "Our medical team are now managing Ben's recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting the aim of Ben being ready for the start of our pre-season preparations."
From BBC • May 12, 2026
The shortstop is scheduled to play two minor league rehabilitation games Oklahoma City Friday and Saturday, then return to Los Angeles for evaluation, with the hope he’ll be cleared for activation Monday.
From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026
Ceramics and seals bearing his likeness attest to his rehabilitation, at least in his native land.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
As lead therapist in Ms. Castro’s rehabilitation, I ask that you refrain from sabotaging my therapy plan.
From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin
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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.