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

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

He had to repurpose a lot of different people to different locations, and they were working simultaneously to troubleshoot each other.

From Slate

City leaders have said Norwalk does more than its fair share on homelessness, citing a social services department that assists homeless residents and support to repurpose abandoned buildings at a public psychiatric care facility for homeless housing.

From Los Angeles Times

The mission, says founder and Angeleno Emme Hayes, is “to repurpose all gear, bring diversity to the outdoors and help protect the wild.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reuse