reset

American  

[ree-set, ree-set] / riˈsɛt, ˈriˌsɛt /

verb (used with object)

reset, resetting

1. to set again.

   to reset an alarm clock; to reset a broken bone.

2. to set, adjust, or fix in a new or different way.

   to reset priorities; to reset prices.

3. to illegally set back the odometer on (an auto or other vehicle) to a lower reading.

   a used-car dealer charged with resetting his cars.

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verb (used without object)

reset, resetting

1. to become set again.

   The alarm bell resets automatically.

noun

1. an act or instance of setting again.

2. an act or instance of setting, adjusting, or fixing something in a new or different way.

   A reset of relations between the two countries may be impossible. Company executives recognized the need for a reset in their business.

3. something that is set again.

4. a plant that is replanted.

5. a device used in resetting an instrument or control mechanism.

reset ¹ British  

verb

1. to set again (a broken bone, matter in type, a gemstone, etc)

2. to restore (a gauge, dial, etc) to zero

3. Also: clear.  to restore (the contents of a register or similar device) in a computer system to zero

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noun

1. the act or an instance of setting again

2. a thing that is set again

3. a plant that has been recently transplanted

4. a device for resetting instruments, controls, etc

reset ² British  

verb

1. to receive or handle goods knowing they have been stolen

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noun

1. the receiving of stolen goods

Other Word Forms

• resettable adjective
• resetter noun

Etymology

Origin of reset

First recorded in 1645–55; re- + set

Example Sentences

On Thursday, schools received a message that as part of "work to manage an IT security issue" the EA would be carrying out a password reset for all users.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

On the other hand, insofar as inflation expectations can reset higher in response to commodity price shocks, the Fed might need to engage in tightening that they would otherwise look to avoid.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“The landscape shifted so dramatically that we had to reset, otherwise we were going to be climbing this mountain for more than a decade,” Jacobson said at the town hall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Two days with no games allowed the Lakers to fully reset as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season and a playoff run.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

They will be instructed in the false history that I myself will be given after the reset procedure.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• readjust
• reconstruct
• reorganize
• reposition
• reshuffle
• revamp
• rework