restore

[ ri-stawr, -stohr ]

verb (used with object)

, re·stored, re·stor·ing.

1. to bring back into existence, use, or the like; reestablish:

   to restore order.

2. to bring back to a former, original, or normal condition, as a building, statue, or painting.

   Synonyms: mend

3. to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor.
4. to put back to a former place, or to a former position, rank, etc.:

   to restore the king to his throne.

   Synonyms: reinstate, replace

5. to give back; make return or restitution of (anything taken away or lost).
6. to reproduce or reconstruct (an ancient building, extinct animal, etc.) in the original state.

   Synonyms: rebuild

restore

/ rɪˈstɔː /

verb

1. to return (something, esp a work of art or building) to an original or former condition
2. to bring back to health, good spirits, etc
3. to return (something lost, stolen, etc) to its owner
4. to reintroduce or re-enforce

   to restore discipline

5. to reconstruct (an extinct animal, former landscape, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈstorer, noun
• reˈstorable, adjective
• reˈstorableness, noun

Other Words From

• re·stora·ble adjective
• re·stora·ble·ness noun
• re·storer noun
• quasi-re·stored adjective
• self-re·storing adjective
• unre·stora·ble adjective
• unre·stored adjective
• well-re·stored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restore¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English restoren, from Old French restorer, from Latin restaurāre; re-, store

Word History and Origins

Origin of restore¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin rēstaurāre to rebuild, from re- + -staurāre , as in instaurāre to renew

Synonym Study

See renew.

Example Sentences

But is it powerful enough to restore a reputation?

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers say understanding this ancient land management practice could help define and restore pre-colonial landscapes.

From Science Daily

“The more we can do to restore nature and protect existing forests, the better.”

From BBC

I know your children and grandchildren aren't affiliated with your Churches anymore, but if you elect me, I'm going to restore power to the Christian Churches.”’

From BBC

Cohen said electricity was cut to the pump at 2 p.m. and did not get a generator to restore operation until 11 p.m. the first day of the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bring back
• build up
• improve
• modernize
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• recover
• reestablish
• refurbish
• rehabilitate
• reinforce
• reinstate
• renew
• renovate
• repair
• replace
• rescue
• revitalize
• revive
• strengthen