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

In Southern California, the aquarium is one of two places with dedicated space for turtle rehab (the other is SeaWorld San Diego). —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026

Why Clinics Are Investing in This Technology Trends in rehab technology, such as increasing demand for non-surgical and non-opioid pain solutions, have led to shock wave therapy machines becoming increasingly popular over the last several years. —William Jones, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026

The Philippines had rehab centers, but since the drug war began they’d been chronically oversubscribed. —Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has expressed confidence in the quarterback's mindset regarding his rehab approach. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 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