reincarnate

UK: ˌriːɪnˈkɑːneɪt | US: ˌriːɪnˈkɑːrneɪt

Definition

  1. vt. to cause to be reborn in another body or form

  2. vi. to undergo rebirth in another body or form

Structure
re <again>in <in>carn <flesh>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "reincarnate" combines Latin morphemes:

  • "re-" (again) signals repetition,
  • "in-" (in) denotes inwardness or transition,
  • "carn" (from "caro," flesh) refers to physical embodiment,
  • "-ate" forms a verb.
    Originally tied to religious concepts of rebirth (e.g., Hinduism/Buddhism), it evolved into secular usage for metaphorical transformations. The logic hinges on "re-entering flesh" (carn) anew (re).
Examples

  1. Some believe souls reincarnate into new bodies after death.

  2. The artist sought to reincarnate classical styles in modern designs.

  3. The myth describes a goddess reincarnated as a mortal.

  4. The novel’s villain reincarnates his evil in each generation.

  5. Scientists debate whether memories can reincarnate in cloned organisms.