reboot

[ verb ree-boot; noun ree-boot, ree-boot ]

verb (used with object)

1. to restart (a computer) by loading the operating system; boot again.
2. to produce a distinctly new version of (an established media franchise, as a film, TV show, video game, or comic book):

   The studio is rebooting Spider-Man.

3. to make a change in (something) in order to establish a new beginning: Lower interest rates are intended to reboot the economy.

   She’s rebooting her career.

   Lower interest rates are intended to reboot the economy.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a computer) to be restarted.

noun

1. an act or instance of restarting a computer.
2. an act or instance of making a change in order to establish a new beginning:

   a reboot of our product line.

3. a distinctly new version of an established media franchise:

   The show will be a gritty reboot of the classic TV series from the 1970s.

reboot

/ riːˈbuːt /

verb

1. to shut down and restart (a computer system) or (of a computer system) to shut down and restart

reboot

1. A term that comes from computer usage. To reboot a computer is to start it up again after a computer crash. Hence, “reboot” has the connotation of starting a process over again.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reboot¹

First recorded in 1970–75; re- ( def ) + boot ¹ (in the sense “to start a computer”)

Example Sentences

For years, Cattrall has made clear that she doesn’t want to be part of a third movie or a reboot.

From Washington Post

Democrats have called for a reboot to the programs, while Republicans have done the opposite.

From Washington Post

He said there are “all kinds of institutional reboots that have to be done” that would require “some re-engineering.”

From Washington Post

On the reboot, Zack is now the governor of California who landed the job with a very on-brand scheme.

From Washington Post

It’s perhaps best known for offering “Star Trek” shows, but its lineup also includes “The Good Wife” spinoff “The Good Fight” and a reboot of “The Twilight Zone” from Jordan Peele.

From Fortune

Another side of Spider-Man that might be interesting to explore in a reboot is seeing him as an adult.

From The Daily Beast

Another angle Robinov suggests as a possibility for Peter Parker/Spider-Man is a franchise reboot tackling Spidey as… an adult.

From The Daily Beast

Fox also owns the rights to The Fantastic Four and a reboot of that series is already scheduled for release in 2015.

From The Daily Beast

As was a follow-up to the new Killer Instinct, which was definitely the biggest surprise reboot of last year.

From The Daily Beast

This spurred Creative Director Adam Isgreen, who also worked on Killer Instinct, to outline of a Phantom Dust reboot—just in case.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• reset