reinvent

[ree-in-vent]

verb (used with object)

1. to invent again or anew, especially without knowing that the invention already exists.

2. to remake or make over, as in a different form.

   At 60, he reinvented himself as a volunteer. We have an opportunity to reinvent government.

3. to bring back; revive.

   to reinvent trust and accountability.

reinvent

/ ˌriːɪnˈvɛnt /

verb

1. to replace (a product, etc) with an entirely new version

2. to duplicate (something that already exists) in what is therefore a wasted effort (esp in the phrase reinvent the wheel )

Other Word Forms

• reinvention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reinvent¹

First recorded in 1685–90; re- + invent

Example Sentences

“He’s enormously resilient. Think about all the changes we’ve had in technology. Larry has reinvented Oracle so many times. The guy is smart as hell.”

Read more on Barron's

Big Food has little choice but to reinvent itself for the new moment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Holz: It is an execution story at this point, as the company kind of reinvents itself with a number of difficult-to-predict crosscurrents in the background.

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The episodes take us inside Victoria's pop career, family life, struggles to reinvent herself and preparation for a major show at Paris Fashion Week.

Read more on BBC

Safdie has helped actors reinvent themselves by placing them into vulnerable situations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• remake 
• revive