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 Mets don’t anticipate Scott needing a rehab assignment out of spring training. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

In an earlier incident, LaBeouf was ordered by a court to attend rehab after his 2017 arrest in Georgia on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026

Phillips is still in the first half of the 12-to-15-month rehab that follows Tommy John surgery. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026

As repair and rehab efforts continue, here is a look at the sewage spill along the waterway. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 Feb. 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