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

Tatum is, by all accounts, progressing well in his rehab and hopes to return at some point this season. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Dec. 2025

Shortly before Mahomes underwent surgery to address damage to his left ACL and LCL, Reid expressed confidence in the quarterback's mindset regarding his rehab approach. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025

Headlined by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes — who is already in the thick of his rehab and recovery from a torn ACL — KC also ruled out starting tackles Jawaan Taylor and Jaylon Moore and receiver Rashee Rice ahead of Sunday’s game. —Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, the average cost for individual rehab treatment in California is $56, 654 — but depending on the facility and the length of stay, the actual cost can spike into the millions — an option for wealthy families like the Reiners but few others. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 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