rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab How to pronounce rehab (audio)
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 noun

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 Silas didn't die, Jenna's in rehab, and Joaquin's been publishing articles about cults that are getting the attention of some magazines. Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 General manager Chris Grier didn’t give a timeline for the return of Chubb and Phillips but acknowledged the team will need to bring in reinforcements as the edge rushers continue their rehab. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 While two of Cleveland’s most important players continue their rehabs, Browns officials, who, for the third year in a row have no first-round draft pick, thanks to the Watson trade, will assess this year’s crop at the combine. Jim Ingraham, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 And that’s assuming his rehab doesn’t encounter any other setbacks. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 The Lakewood Police Department says the two Gila monsters were removed from the victim’s home and taken to a wildlife rehab center in another state. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The rehab is expected to be complete by January 2025. Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 The 20- and 30-something characters drink heavily, including during work events, and one smokes a cigarette and mentions a friend in rehab. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 As a result, he was sent to rehab for six days in June 1978. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rehab.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rehab was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near rehab

Cite this Entry

“Rehab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rehab. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

rehab

noun
re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab How to pronounce rehab (audio)
often attributive
: rehabilitation
especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

More from Merriam-Webster on rehab

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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