reinvent

[ ree-in-vent ]

verb (used with object)

1. to invent again or anew, especially without knowing that the invention already exists.
2. to remake or make over, as in a different form:

   At 60, he reinvented himself as a volunteer. We have an opportunity to reinvent government.

3. to bring back; revive:

   to reinvent trust and accountability.

reinvent

/ ˌriːɪnˈvɛnt /

verb

1. to replace (a product, etc) with an entirely new version
2. to duplicate (something that already exists) in what is therefore a wasted effort (esp in the phrase reinvent the wheel )

Other Words From

• rein·vention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reinvent¹

First recorded in 1685–90; re- + invent

Example Sentences

In two short weeks, a whole cyberpunk soap opera has unfolded in the burgeoning world of “decentralized finance,” a segment of the cryptocurrency community that aims to reinvent the financial system for a digital era.

From Fortune

In this week’s episode, I dive into the myths—and fantastic truths—of her journey from working with gift wrap ribbons to reinventing the face mask.

From Popular-Science

Such easy-to-use tools are reinventing the basic building block of the internet—the website—for people who want to share resources and information quickly, safely, and creatively.

From MIT Technology Review

Her contemporaries gush about her personable nature and business savvy, but also note her ambition and ability to reinvent herself as the media business has changed.

From Digiday

Second, we describe a specific program for reinventing and modernizing the Sports Arena.

From Voice of San Diego

It is all too easy to be despondent in the face of what seems like the endless capacity of evil to reinvent itself.

From The Daily Beast

While Madonna has had to reinvent herself every couple of years, Lennox has done the exact opposite.

From The Daily Beast

New York City was the perfect spot to lose his past and reinvent himself.

From The Daily Beast

The powers of office are such that presidents can often use events to redefine, even reinvent, themselves.

From The Daily Beast

In anticipation of 2016 the GOP had better consolidate its goods and reinvent its brand.

From The Daily Beast

Or did he reinvent it for himself, forgetting that it had already served?

From Project Gutenberg

But it's gone, it's gone, and there's no time to reinvent it now.

From Project Gutenberg

They said that they wanted me to come in and help them turn the place around, help them reinvent themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Led by the vice president, we've launched a campaign to reinvent government.

From Project Gutenberg

A little later, however, someone not familiar with the secondary risks would reinvent the ligature.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• remake
• revive