rehabilitate
UK: ˌriːhəˈbɪlɪteɪt | US: ˌriːhəˈbɪlɪteɪt
vt. to restore to a condition of good health, ability, or reputation
vt. to reintegrate (someone) into society or a professional role after illness or imprisonment
vt. to restore (a building or environment) to its original state
The word "rehabilitate" traces back to Latin rehabilitare, combining re- (repetition) and habilitare (to enable). Originally used in legal and ecclesiastical contexts to mean "restore to former privileges," it later expanded to physical and social recovery (e.g., health, reputation). The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "making someone able again."
The clinic helps rehabilitate patients after major surgeries.
The program aims to rehabilitate former prisoners into the workforce.
Efforts to rehabilitate the historic building took five years.
Wildlife centers rehabilitate injured animals before releasing them.
Public campaigns seek to rehabilitate the politician’s damaged reputation.