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 of rehab

• 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

In an intimate scene at the rehab center, Claire confronts her depression. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026

His pregame routine consisted of activation, treatment, rehab, stretching, weightlifting and mentally focusing while watching television. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026

Detroit voters overwhelmingly approve Prop N, a bond issue to put $250 million in city funds toward 8,000 more demolitions and additional home rehabs. —Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Our most disturbing finding is that the average addiction treatment center today is no more effective than rehabs were three decades ago. —Joanna Conti, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026

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