recuperate

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verb re·cu·per·ate \ ri-ˈkü-pə-ˌrāt , -ˈkyü- \

Definition of recuperate

recuperated; recuperating

transitive verb

1 :to get back :regain

2 :to bring back into use or currency :revive

recuperate old traditions

intransitive verb

:to regain a former state or condition; especially :to recover health or strength

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recuperation

play \-ˌkü-pə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌkyü-\ noun

See recuperate defined for English-language learners

See recuperate defined for kids

Examples of recuperate in a Sentence

She took a day off to recuperate.
half the office was out today, many employees being sick or recuperating from the flu

Recent Examples of recuperate from the Web

Another argument for doubleheaders is that this would free up more off days for players to recuperate.

— ed rendell, Philly.com, "Baseball doubleheaders? People will come! | Ed Rendell," 20 Aug. 2017
Each of these presidents experienced a painful career pause — Roosevelt recuperating from polio, Eisenhower promotionless between world wars, Reagan as his movie career tapered off — and emerged, without any real friends, to win the highest office.

— michael barone, National Review, "Ignoring the Lessons of Effective Presidents," 4 Aug. 2017
The zloty, emerging markets’ third-largest gainer this year versus the euro, is recuperating from a 1.5 percent slump last week when widespread domestic protests over the judicial overhaul grabbed headlines.

— jonathan stearns, Bloomberg.com, "Poland Gets Further EU Prod to Soften Touchy Judicial Revamp," 26 July 2017
The Nettletons rounded up newborns and brought them to the ranch to recuperate.

— zach kyle, idahostatesman, "Water-rights victory made this Idaho ranch owner a ‘rock star’," 18 July 2017
Taken in by the Seattle Animal Shelter and sent to recuperate at a foster home, the then 3-pound dog began her recovery.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Once-abused toy poodle now star in Seattle play," 14 July 2017
Her nephew had a broken hand, but otherwise everyone is recuperating after their ordeal.

— Alaska Dispatch News, "A riptide swept away a Florida family. Then beachgoers formed a human chain.," 11 July 2017
Now, their furry companion has been hiding behind the couch or lying next to its pet toy, recuperating from wounds patched up with stitches and staples.

— jason ruiter, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Bear attacks dog in Leesburg, prompting emergency surgery," 6 July 2017
Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney), who is recuperating from wounds suffered in the takeover of Poland, and lovely maid Mieke de Jong (Lily James), who delights Wilhelm with her shy, curtsying charm.

— colin covert, star-telegram.com, "‘The Exception’ is not as exceptional as it should be," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recuperate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of recuperate

Latin recuperatus, past participle of recuperare — more at recover

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First Known Use: 1542

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recuperate Synonyms

Synonyms

come back, gain, heal, mend, pull round [chiefly British], rally, recoup, recover, convalesce, snap back

Related Words

come around, come round, come to, improve, pick up, revive; cheer (up), perk (up); pull through, survive; recruit

Near Antonyms

ail, collapse, come down, sicken; decline, degenerate, deteriorate, fade, fail, languish, sink, waste (away), weaken, wilt, wither, worsen; regress, relapse

RECUPERATE Defined for English Language Learners

recuperate

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verb

Definition of recuperate for English Language Learners

: to return to normal health or strength after being sick, injured, etc.
: to get back (money that has been spent, invested, lost, etc.)

RECUPERATE Defined for Kids

recuperate

play

verb re·cu·per·ate \ ri-ˈkü-pə-ˌrāt , -ˈkyü- \

Definition of recuperate for Students

recuperated; recuperating

:to regain health or strength

Medical Dictionary

recuperate

play

verb re·cu·per·ate \ ri-ˈk(y)ü-pə-ˌrāt \

medical Definition of recuperate

recuperated; recuperating

transitive verb

:to get back or recover

recuperating health and strength after pneumonia

intransitive verb

:to recover health or strength

time to recuperate after major surgery

Learn More about recuperate

See words that rhyme with recuperate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recuperate Spanish Central: Translation of recuperate Nglish: Translation of recuperate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of recuperate for Arabic speakers

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recuperate

Definition of recuperate

recuperation

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Origin and Etymology of recuperate

recuperate Synonyms

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RECUPERATE Defined for English Language Learners

recuperate

Definition of recuperate for English Language Learners

RECUPERATE Defined for Kids

recuperate

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Medical Dictionary

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