rebuild

[ ree-bild ]

verb (used with object)

, re·built or (Archaic) re·build·ed; re·build·ing.

1. to repair, especially to dismantle and reassemble with new parts:

   to rebuild an old car.

2. to replace, restrengthen, or reinforce:

   to rebuild an army.

3. to revise, reshape, or reorganize:

   to rebuild a shattered career.

verb (used without object)

, re·built or (Archaic) re·build·ed; re·build·ing.

1. to build again or afresh:

   With the insurance money we can rebuild.

rebuild

/ riːˈbɪld /

verb

1. to make, construct, or form again

   the cost of rebuilding the house

2. tr to restore (a system or situation) to a previous condition

   his struggle to rebuild his life

Other Words From

• re·builda·ble adjective
• re·builda·bili·ty noun
• re·builder noun
• unre·built adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuild¹

First recorded in 1605–15; re- + build

Example Sentences

She inherits a roster that was hit hard by injuries last season while pushing to rebuild around young talent.

From Los Angeles Times

The boss of luxury retail company Mulberry says he needs to "rebuild the business", after sales dropped by almost a fifth in the past six months.

From BBC

Flores said he plans to rebuild his lost boxes and restore the colonies quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year he warned that “there could be war in Sweden”, although that was seen as a wake-up call because he felt that moves towards rebuilding that “total defence” were progressing too slowly.

From BBC

"The last 12 months hasn't been successful. We've lost a lot of experience and we know there's a rebuilding phase to go through."

From BBC

Related Words

• overhaul
• reconstruct
• refurbish