reunification

American  

[ree-yoo-nuh-fi-key-shuhn] / riˌyu nə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the joining back together of people or things that were separated; reunion.

   The summit facilitated dialogue that would eventually contribute to German reunification.

   This new immigration law favors immigrants seeking reunification with parents, spouses, and children.

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Etymology

Origin of reunification

First recorded in 1870–75; re- ( def. ) + unification ( def. )

Explanation

Coming back together again after being separated or in conflict is called reunification. This noun is usually used to describe relations between countries, states, or territories. It's not uncommon that two countries will be allied and then find themselves clashing or even going to war against each other. If they eventually join forces again, it's an example of reunification. In recent history, the merging of East and West Germany back into one single country, in 1990, can be called reunification. Reunification, from the verb unify, comes from the Late Latin unificare, "make one."

Example Sentences

The region closed the mines after the reunification of Germany and built a chemicals cluster powered by Russian gas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

We have made it quite difficult to have family reunification in Denmark.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

Since 2023, Finland has introduced stricter requirements for obtaining asylum, residence permits, family reunification and citizenship, though it welcomes work-based immigration.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

The country’s constitution already stipulates that reunification is a national duty.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

All the president needs now is for Grant to finish the rest of the job, and then he can get to the work of reunification that will be known to history as Reconstruction.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly