refocus

American  

[ree-foh-kuhs] / riˈfoʊ kəs /

verb (used with object)

1. to bring (a lens, beam of light, one's gaze, etc.) into focus again or on a new point.

2. to concentrate (thought, efforts, or the like) again or on a new task, subject, or target.

---

verb (used without object)

1. of a lens or beam of light, to come into focus again or on a new point.

2. to concentrate one's thought, efforts, etc., again or on a new task or subject.

Explanation

The verb refocus means to readjust an optical device. If you are looking at the planets with a telescope, you may have to refocus the telescope to make everything come in clearly. The verb refocus can also mean to change priorities and concentrate on something different from before. When football season finally ends, maybe you will have the opportunity to refocus and concentrate on your studies. Refocus also means to focus anew. If your book club book is boring, you might have to refocus and give it another chance.

Example Sentences

“Nothing about the cease-fire alters the structural AI demand story…If anything, removing macro volatility allows the market to refocus on those fundamentals,” he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Let’s refocus on what matters most — continuing to elevate our game, creating opportunities and pushing it forward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Simo had just told staffers in an all-hands meeting three weeks earlier that they had to cut back on “side quests” and refocus the company on winning the AI coding wars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

"The heartbreak is actually more than I anticipated, but the energy to refocus and go again is definitely still there," said Bellamy.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I tried to refocus, but it was no use.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad