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

Hired last week, he is saddled with the task of resurrecting a broken franchise coming off a 43-119 campaign.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Civil rights groups sued the following month, prompting the agency to resurrect the offices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“You have to like people who have money,” Watson said in explanation of his success at resurrecting Cold Spring Harbor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Criminals are resurrecting these dormant identities and submitting hundreds of applications for bank accounts and credit cards, says David Maimon, head of fraud insights at SentiLink and a criminology professor at Georgia State University.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Discarded eventually — a raven essentially fills a similar role — the cat today has been resurrected for the Mansion, most notably in a revised attic scene where the kitty is spotted near a mournful bride.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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