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

The work and the rehab and the investment paid off. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

While talking about their returns to the court is encouraging, there are still key steps for all involved and their respective rehabs. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026

Langdon has been gone for the past ten months in rehab and counseling for his benzos addiction. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

Together, the lineup shows how exoskeletons are moving beyond clinical rehab and toward everyday mobility support. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 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