restorative

[ri-stawr-uh-tiv, -stohr-]

adjective

1. serving to restore; pertaining to restoration.

2. capable of renewing health or strength.

noun

1. a restorative agent, means, or the like.

2. a means of restoring a person to consciousness.

   Smelling salts serve as a restorative.

restorative

/ rɪˈstɒrətɪv /

adjective

1. tending to revive or renew health, spirits, etc

noun

1. anything that restores or revives, esp a drug or agent that promotes health or strength

Other Word Forms

• nonrestorative adjective
• unrestorative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restorative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English restoratif (adjective and noun), from Middle French restauratif, from Latin restaurāt(us) (past participle of restaurāre “to rebuild, repair”; restore ) + Middle French -if -ive

Example Sentences

Chi referred to this initiative as the “restorative justice program,” which will be introduced to City Council in January 2026.

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And who could fail to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the days when Victoria was queen, sipping a nice, restorative cup of tea?

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The model combines a trauma-informed approach to classroom design with restorative practices training, she said.

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"And while that's not as active as, say, travelling or camping, it's just as active in a more restorative way."

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The company reported weakness in international markets and non-core businesses, such as restorative therapies.

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