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 2017, he was suspended by the NFL, went to rehab and emerged sober as a grocery store clerk. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said during Monday’s news conference that the lineman remained in Kansas City during the bye week to continue his rehab process. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Use the $18 million CRA housing agreement with Broward County, plus SHIP and CDBG help for first-time buyers, rehab, counseling, and rent support. — Judith "judy" Paul, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

The California Department of Health Care Services, the state agency that licenses and oversees addiction treatment centers, has been criticized as having lax regulations governing how most private-pay rehabs can operate. — Ilan Shrira, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 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