revert
UK: rɪˈvɜːt | US: rɪˈvɜːrt
vi. to return to a previous state, condition, or practice
vt. to cause something to return to an earlier form or state
n. (rare) a person who reverts to a previous belief or behavior
The word revert traces back to Latin revertere ("to turn back"), combining re- (indicating reversal) and vertere ("to turn"). It entered Middle English via Old French revertir, retaining the core idea of returning to an earlier state. The morphemes re- and vert- are preserved in modern English, making the word’s structure logical for learners: "turn back" → "revert."
After the experiment failed, the system reverted to its default settings.
Some species revert to ancestral traits under stress.
He reverted to his old habits despite the doctor’s advice.
The software update will revert if interrupted.
In legal terms, the property reverts to the original owner after 10 years.