rehabilitate

[ ree-huh-bil-i-teyt, ree-uh- ]

verb (used with object)

, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ed, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ing.

1. to restore to a condition of good health, ability to work, or the like.
2. to restore to good condition, operation, or management, as a bankrupt business.

   Synonyms: refurbish, reconstruct, recondition, restore, salvage

3. to reestablish the good reputation of (a person, one's character or name, etc.).
4. to restore formally to former capacity, standing, rank, rights, or privileges.

verb (used without object)

, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ed, re·ha·bil·i·tat·ing.

1. to undergo rehabilitation.

rehabilitate

/ ˌriːəˈbɪlɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to help (a person who has acquired a disability or addiction or who has just been released from prison) to readapt to society or a new job, as by vocational guidance, retraining, or therapy
2. to restore to a former position or rank
3. to restore the good reputation of

Derived Forms

• ˌrehaˈbilitative, adjective

Other Words From

• reha·bili·tation noun
• reha·bili·tative adjective
• reha·bili·tator noun
• nonre·ha·bili·tation noun
• nonre·ha·bili·tative adjective
• unre·ha·bili·tated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rehabilitate¹

1570–80; < Medieval Latin rehabilitātus, past participle of rehabilitāre to restore. See re-, habilitate

Word History and Origins

Origin of rehabilitate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin rehabilitāre to restore, from re- + Latin habilitās skill, ability

Example Sentences

White evangelical Protestants, along with other conservative white Christians, were the principal actors who baptized, defended, rehabilitated and sustained Trump’s candidacy.

From Salon

Tyson's public image has been rehabilitated in the decades following his conviction in 1992.

From BBC

In the years since, Murray has rehabilitated his BBC career, returning to present various shows on 5 Live and expanding to become the host of Channel 4's long-running word show, Countdown.

From BBC

Harris also supports expanding the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and a new tax credit for rehabilitating or building housing occupied by owners in lower-income neighborhoods.

From Salon

His food giveaway events featuring World Harvest have been a key part of rehabilitating his image after a recording captured him and three other political leaders in a conversation that featured racist and crude remarks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fix up
• improve
• mend
• rebuild
• reclaim
• reconstruct
• recover
• reestablish
• refurbish
• reintegrate
• reinvigorate
• rejuvenate
• restore
• save