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 Wait times are generally long across the nation, as patients tell of waiting weeks or even months for appointments while dealing with ongoing pain or post-surgical rehab. Mark Kreidler | Kaiser Health News, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2023 The show tells the story of an unexpected connection between two people — one entering rehab and the other exiting a 90-day release. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023 The Canadian actor — who has struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for nearly three decades — spoke to the Daily Mail about spending his summer in rehab. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 15 Nov. 2023 No one knew Gonzo signed his name with an X. The tutor at the rehab center held up flash cards and sounded out the letters: A, B, C. Martín Espada, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 Scores of Native Americans who sought help are still struggling with untreated addiction — and some died in rehab. Jack Healy, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2023 Sambora, who overcame an addiction to painkillers and an over-reliance on alcohol after stints in rehab in 2007 and 2011, also told PEOPLE that the touring lifestyle eventually took its toll on him. Alex Cramer, Peoplemag, 5 Nov. 2023 In previous interviews, Perry admitted to being in rehab at least 15 times and getting 14 surgeries on his stomach due to gastrointestinal perforation stemming from his opioid abuse. Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2023 In rehab she was taken off Prozac abruptly, then put on lithium and forced to go through extensive therapy. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023 See More

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 29 Nov. 2023.

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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