rehabilitate

//ˌriːəˈbɪlɪteɪt//

Verbs
C1

Translation

rehabilitate

Definition

To rehabilitate someone or something means to restore them to a good condition, reputation, or ability to function normally, often after a period of illness, injury, addiction, or disrepair. This term is commonly used in contexts like physical therapy, criminal justice, and environmental restoration. For example, a person recovering from a stroke may undergo therapy to rehabilitate their motor skills, or a former prisoner may participate in programs to rehabilitate their social behavior and reintegrate into society. The process involves systematic efforts to improve physical, mental, or social well-being, and it emphasizes recovery and positive change rather than punishment or neglect.

Example

  • The physical therapist worked with the patient to rehabilitate her injured knee after surgery.

  • The nonprofit organization aims to rehabilitate stray dogs and find them loving homes.

  • After the scandal, the politician tried to rehabilitate his public image through community service.

  • The prison system offers programs to rehabilitate inmates and reduce recidivism.

  • It took months of hard work to rehabilitate the old factory and make it operational again.

  • The wildlife center was able to rehabilitate the injured eagle and release it back into the wild.

  • She enrolled in a drug treatment program to rehabilitate her health and rebuild her life.

  • The government invested millions to rehabilitate the historic district and attract tourists.

  • After the accident, he needed extensive therapy to rehabilitate his speech and memory.

  • The company launched a campaign to rehabilitate its reputation following the product recall.

Synonyms

restore
recover
reclaim
reintegrate
revitalize

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