rehabilitation

noun

re·​ha·​bil·​i·​ta·​tion ˌrē-ə-ˌbi-lə-ˈtā-shən 

ˌrē-hə-

plural rehabilitations

: the action, process, or result of rehabilitating or of being rehabilitated: such as

a

: restoration especially by therapeutic means to an improved condition of physical function

MCL injuries alone rarely necessitate surgery and heal with rest and rehabilitation.

—Shira Springer

The handsome barn-style building is used as a wildlife rehabilitation center, so you'll see mending hawks, eagles, or owls perching.

—Lora J. Finnegan

also : the process of restoring a person to a drug- or alcohol-free state

… the tabloid feeding frenzy surrounding his drug bust and ensuing rehabilitation for heroin addiction last year.

—Joyce Millman

b

: the process of restoring someone (such as a criminal) to a useful and constructive place in society

the rehabilitation of prisoners

a prison rehabilitation program

c

: the restoration of something damaged or deteriorated to a prior good condition

the rehabilitation of the neighborhood

the rehabilitation of a person's reputation

Synonyms

• comeback
• convalescence
• healing
• mending
• rally
• recovery
• recuperation
• rehab
• snapback

Examples of rehabilitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Newsom administration argues that having a lower population in a prison provides opportunities for more effective rehabilitation, since fewer people will be competing for the same programs. —Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024

But your body actually has an elaborate system to keep you steady on your feet, Jennifer Kelly, DPT, the director of vestibular rehabilitation at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, in New York City tells SELF. —Amy Norton, SELF, 29 Mar. 2024

For more than a decade, Maine has emphasized rehabilitation in its approach to juvenile justice, sending fewer teenagers to prison. —Callie Ferguson Ashley L. Conti, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

Although structurally deficient bridges are still considered operational, according to the infrastructure rehabilitation company UHPC Solutions, elements of these bridges require significant maintenance or need to be monitored closely for defects. —Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a great way to learn about marine conservation and help support animal rehabilitation efforts. —Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024

For cases where judges hesitate, the coalition returns to a second hearing with further evidence of rehabilitation. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024

The Coalition invites homeowners from Detroit to the stage to amplify their voices and include them in the decision-making processes for the rehabilitation plans for their homes. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024

In late May, work will begin on a $113 million rehabilitation project that will raise the Tidal Basin’s sea wall nearly five feet. —Harry Stevens, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rehabilitation

• physical medicine and rehabilitation

Medical Definition

rehabilitation

noun

re·​ha·​bil·​i·​ta·​tion ˌrē-(h)ə-ˌbil-ə-ˈtā-shən 

often attributive

1

: the action or process of rehabilitating or of being rehabilitated: as

a

: the physical restoration of a sick or disabled person by therapeutic measures and reeducation to participation in the activities of a normal life within the limitations of the person's physical disability

rehabilitation after coronary occlusion

b

: the process of restoring an individual to a useful and constructive place in society especially through some form of vocational, correctional, or therapeutic retraining

2

: the result of rehabilitating : the state of being rehabilitated

rehabilitation of the patient