resurrect

[rez-uh-rekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to raise from the dead; bring to life again.

2. to bring back into use, practice, etc..

   to resurrect an ancient custom.

verb (used without object)

1. to rise from the dead.

resurrect

/ ˌrɛzəˈrɛkt /

verb

1. to rise or raise from the dead; bring or be brought back to life

2. (tr) to bring back into use or activity; revive

   to resurrect an ancient law

3. (tr) to renew (one's hopes, etc)

4. facetious,  (tr) (formerly) to exhume and steal (a body) from its grave, esp in order to sell it

Other Word Forms

• resurrector noun
• unresurrected adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resurrect¹

First recorded in 1765–75; back formation from resurrection

Example Sentences

Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine and recent steps to test the alliance have highlighted Poland’s long-ignored warning that Russia, under Putin, wants to resurrect its traditional sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Yet in their exhaustive, three-part account of Cooper’s life—the first two are by Mr. Clark, a biographer, and the third by Mr. Calvocoressi, a modern-art curator—they aim to resurrect another Cooper as well.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Perhaps the Supreme Court might try to resurrect Taney’s Dred Scott opinion and declare the memo and the statute unconstitutional.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Wan, who directs neither narrative but has his fingerprints all over both, doesn’t get enough credit for having resurrected, resuscitated and rejuvenated the horror flick.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Driven by a desire to escape screens and reclaim a sense of control, they are resurrecting digital cameras, flip phones and CDs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• energize 
• recover 
• rejuvenate 
• rekindle 
• renew 
• renovate 
• restore 
• resuscitate 
• revitalize 
• rouse