rehabilitation

UK: ˌriː.həˌbɪl.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən | US: ˌriː.həˌbɪl.əˈteɪ.ʃən

Definition

  1. n. the process of restoring someone to health, normal life, or good condition after illness, addiction, or imprisonment.

  2. n. the restoration of something damaged or degraded to its original state.

  3. n. the act of reinstating someone's reputation or rights.

Structure
re <again>habit <hold>ation <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "rehabilitation" traces back to Latin roots:

  • "re-" (again) signifies repetition or restoration.
  • "habilitare" (to make fit) derives from "habere" (to hold or possess), implying the restoration of ability or condition.
  • "-ation" forms a noun indicating the process or result of an action.
    Originally used in legal and medical contexts, it evolved to broadly mean "restoration to a former state," reflecting both physical recovery and social reintegration.
Examples

  1. After the surgery, he underwent months of rehabilitation to regain mobility.

  2. The old building's rehabilitation preserved its historical features.

  3. The program focuses on the rehabilitation of former addicts.

  4. Environmental rehabilitation efforts have revived the polluted river.

  5. The court granted his rehabilitation, clearing his criminal record.