restore

[ ri-stawr, -stohr ]

verb (used with object)

, re·stored, re·stor·ing.

1. to bring back into existence, use, or the like; reestablish:

   to restore order.

2. to bring back to a former, original, or normal condition, as a building, statue, or painting.

   Synonyms: mend

3. to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor.
4. to put back to a former place, or to a former position, rank, etc.:

   to restore the king to his throne.

   Synonyms: reinstate, replace

5. to give back; make return or restitution of (anything taken away or lost).
6. to reproduce or reconstruct (an ancient building, extinct animal, etc.) in the original state.

   Synonyms: rebuild

restore

/ rɪˈstɔː /

verb

1. to return (something, esp a work of art or building) to an original or former condition
2. to bring back to health, good spirits, etc
3. to return (something lost, stolen, etc) to its owner
4. to reintroduce or re-enforce

   to restore discipline

5. to reconstruct (an extinct animal, former landscape, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈstorer, noun
• reˈstorable, adjective
• reˈstorableness, noun

Other Words From

• re·stora·ble adjective
• re·stora·ble·ness noun
• re·storer noun
• quasi-re·stored adjective
• self-re·storing adjective
• unre·stora·ble adjective
• unre·stored adjective
• well-re·stored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restore¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English restoren, from Old French restorer, from Latin restaurāre; re-, store

Word History and Origins

Origin of restore¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin rēstaurāre to rebuild, from re- + -staurāre , as in instaurāre to renew

Synonym Study

See renew.

Example Sentences

“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”

From Salon

On Tuesday, the US state department urged Haiti's leaders to put personal interests aside and concentrate on restoring the country.

From BBC

Unfolding on a set of distressed wooden planks and hanging lanterns, “Our Town” gleams like a restored antique in this Broadway revival.

From Los Angeles Times

The TPC was tasked with restoring democratic order to the Caribbean country, where such violence is rife.

From BBC

Major reproductive rights groups such as the regional Planned Parenthood organization did not believe the measure would adequately restore abortion rights and refused to support it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bring back
• build up
• improve
• modernize
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• recover
• reestablish
• refurbish
• rehabilitate
• reinforce
• reinstate
• renew
• renovate
• repair
• replace
• rescue
• revitalize
• revive
• strengthen