regenerate

[ verb ri-jen-uh-reyt; adjective ri-jen-er-it ]

verb (used with object)

, re·gen·er·at·ed, re·gen·er·at·ing.

1. to effect a complete moral reform in.

   Synonyms: uplift, redeem, reform

2. to re-create, reconstitute, or make over, especially in a better form or condition.
3. to revive or produce anew; bring into existence again.
4. Biology. to renew or restore (a lost, removed, or injured part).
5. Physics. to restore (a substance) to a favorable state or physical condition.
6. Electronics. to magnify the amplification of, by relaying part of the output circuit power into the input circuit.
7. Theology. to cause to be born again spiritually.

verb (used without object)

, re·gen·er·at·ed, re·gen·er·at·ing.

1. to come into existence or be formed again.
2. to reform; become regenerate.
3. to produce a regenerative effect.
4. to undergo regeneration.

adjective

1. reconstituted or made over in a better form.
2. reformed.
3. Theology. born again spiritually.

regenerate

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo moral, spiritual, or physical renewal or invigoration
2. to form or be formed again; come or bring into existence once again
3. to replace (lost or damaged tissues or organs) by new growth, or to cause (such tissues) to be replaced
4. chem to restore or be restored to an original physical or chemical state
5. tr electronics (in a digital system) to reshape (distorted incoming pulses) for onward transmission

adjective

1. morally, spiritually, or physically renewed or reborn; restored or refreshed

Derived Forms

• reˈgenerative, adjective
• reˈgeneracy, noun
• reˈgeneratively, adverb
• reˈgenerˌator, noun
• reˈgenerable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·gener·a·ble adjective
• re·gener·ate·ness noun
• nonre·gener·ate adjective
• nonre·gener·ating adjective
• unre·gener·a·ble adjective
• unre·gener·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of regenerate¹

1425–75; late Middle English (adj.) < Latin regenerātus, past participle of regenerāre to bring forth again, equivalent to re- re- + generātus; generate

Example Sentences

Their successor sometimes lacks the same experience or credibility but the organisation still manages to regenerate itself in some form.

From BBC

The money he raised went to Regenerate, a youth charity in London.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year Baltimore unveiled new plans to help regenerate its blighted neighbourhoods.

From BBC

The funding - unveiled by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - was to be put "in the hands of local people" to regenerate their high streets.

From BBC

The term "zombie storm" was first used by meteorologists from the US National Weather Service in 2020 to describe a storm which dissipates only to regenerate again.

From BBC

Related Words

• invigorate
• reconstruct
• recreate
• reestablish
• reinvigorate
• rejuvenate
• reproduce