Synonyms

resurrect

American

[rez-uh-rekt] / ˌrɛz əˈrɛkt /

verb (used with object)

to raise from the dead; bring to life again.
to bring back into use, practice, etc..

to resurrect an ancient custom.

verb (used without object)

to rise from the dead.

resurrect British

/ ˌrɛzəˈrɛkt /

verb

to rise or raise from the dead; bring or be brought back to life
(tr) to bring back into use or activity; revive

to resurrect an ancient law
(tr) to renew (one's hopes, etc)
facetious (tr) (formerly) to exhume and steal (a body) from its grave, esp in order to sell it

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

resurrector noun
unresurrected adjective

Etymology

Origin of resurrect

First recorded in 1765–75; back formation from resurrection

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.

At the recent policy meeting, Lee resurrected the idea as a way to appeal to the country’s youth, which has grown more dissatisfied with him.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It is of deep strategic and cultural significance to our nation as we aim to resurrect and revive ancient Indian maritime concepts and capabilities in all their forms."

From Barron's

It got eaten by machines and resurrected by station agents with near-mythical patience.

From Salon

The third came two months later, when lawmakers passed a bill that resurrected many elements of the previous one, but with a few new tweaks.

From Salon

There may be no better time for a schemer like Ashur to be resurrected from the underworld.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023