restorative

[ ri-stawr-uh-tiv, -stohr- ]

adjective

1. serving to restore; pertaining to restoration.
2. capable of renewing health or strength.

noun

1. a restorative agent, means, or the like.
2. a means of restoring a person to consciousness:

   Smelling salts serve as a restorative.

restorative

/ rɪˈstɒrətɪv /

adjective

1. tending to revive or renew health, spirits, etc

noun

1. anything that restores or revives, esp a drug or agent that promotes health or strength

Other Words From

• nonre·stora·tive adjective noun
• unre·stora·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restorative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English restoratif (adjective and noun), from Middle French restauratif, from Latin restaurāt(us) (past participle of restaurāre “to rebuild, repair”; restore ) + Middle French -if -ive

Example Sentences

Chait said discipline would take a “restorative, positive behavior approach.”

From Los Angeles Times

Pamela Price, a civil rights lawyer elected in 2022 on promises to reduce incarceration, expand restorative justice programs and prosecute police officers for misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times

“Zooming out on it can be a calming, restorative process,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

But it is possible that the emphasis may move to securing a bigger "restorative" pay rise from next April.

From BBC

Pushing the idea of “restorative justice,” he vowed to expand efforts to review wrongful convictions and prosecute police misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times