redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms of redefine

• reconsider
• revisit
• review

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

This convergence will redefine industries, national security, scientific advancement, and day-to-day living. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Oblivion is just one step away, and kinship, whether by blood or affinity, is redefined for a modern world in which traditional safety nets have been rent asunder. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Bea will play Julia Hanley, a defiant and magnetic Irish photographer who sees past Tom’s world-changing ambition to the man beneath it, redefining his life through love. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redefine

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals