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 former Cy Young winner finished his Tommy John surgery rehab in the Blue Jays organization before making his 2025 debut in late August. —Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Even if your symptoms seem minor at first, early medical attention with a proper diagnosis and rehab program can prevent the injury from becoming more serious. —Jakob Roze, Health, 4 Nov. 2025

His seven rehab outings were a mixed bag, unsurprising for someone who has barely pitched since 2021. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

After weeks of rehab, Evelyn White returned home. —Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 2 Nov. 2025

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