repurpose

[ ree-pur-puhs ]

verb (used with object)

, re·pur·posed, re·pur·pos·ing.

1. to adapt or utilize (something) for a new purpose:

   The objective is to create affordable housing by repurposing abandoned commercial properties.

Word History and Origins

Origin of repurpose¹

First recorded in 1980–85; re- ( def ) + purpose ( def )

Example Sentences

"Over and again, we see that evolution operates by repurposing existing structures and functions, often in surprising and unpredictable ways."

From Science Daily

The researchers did not select the drug at random: this study followed comprehensive analyses of genome data in order to find starting points for repurposing established drugs.

From Science Daily

We break them down as needed and repurpose what is left to make sauces, stocks or other dishes.

From Salon

And, perhaps most notably, it resulted in the creation of foods that repurpose what might otherwise end up in the garbage without sacrificing taste in the interest of altruism.

From Salon

“This will likely include repurposing the legal and organizing strategies that defeated coal-fired power plants and tar-sands pipelines to stop the construction of mass detention facilities and border militarization.”

From Salon

Related Words

• reuse