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

The legislation proposes to remove the explicit ban and redefine euthanasia as a legal, voluntary medical procedure. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

Famous speeches delivered at the congress have gone on to redefine entire subfields of math. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

The young midfielder has started both of Bay’s games so far this season as the team seeks to redefine itself under new coach Emma Coates, with Hutton commanding the middle of the pitch. —Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

Sunak was soundly defeated in 2024, and Starmer came in on a wave of hope that Britain could redefine its role in the world. —Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redefine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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