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Definition of rehabilitate

rehabilitate

/ˌriːhəˈbɪlɪteɪt/
re · ha · bil · i · tate
Adjective:rehabilitative
•
Past Simple:rehabilitated
•
Past Participle:rehabilitated
•
Present Participle:rehabilitating
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rehabilitate Lexical Profile

rehabilitate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To restore someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after an illness, addiction, or imprisonment.

Example

"The physical therapy center works to rehabilitate patients who have suffered severe spinal injuries."

2

To return a building, area, or environment to its former good condition.

Example

"The city council approved a grant to rehabilitate the historic theater downtown."

3

To restore someone to their former privileges, reputation, or proper standing after a period of disfavor.

Example

"Newly uncovered archival evidence helped to rehabilitate the disgraced scientist's reputation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for rehabilitate

• Rhymes for rehabilitate

• Nearby Words

regurgitation
rehab
rehabber
rehabilitate
rehabilitation
rehabilitative
rehabilitator

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Medieval Latin 'rehabilitatus', the past participle of 'rehabilitare' ('to restore'), formed from 're-' ('again') and 'habilitare' ('to make fit or suitable'), from Latin 'habilis' ('easily handled, skillful, or fit').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rehabilitate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rehabilitate
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