rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

1

: the action or process of rehabilitating : rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

2

: a rehabilitated building or dwelling

rehab verb

rehabber

ˈrē-ˌha-bər 

noun

Synonyms

• rehabilitation
• recovery

Examples of rehab in a Sentence

The rehab for his leg injury is going well.

the accident victim had to undergo months of rehab before she could walk again

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the biggest names in Hollywood convinced Charlie Sheen to go to rehab in 1990. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

When Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone went on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, there was a clear goal in mind. —Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025

But rehab is only covered when the person is making progress from physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Festa, who was near a return after making a rehab start late last month, felt a recurrence of symptoms in his shoulder days later, prompting the Twins to send him to meet with Meister. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

: rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers