rejuvenate

verb

re·​ju·​ve·​nate ri-ˈjü-və-ˌnāt How to pronounce rejuvenate (audio)
rejuvenated; rejuvenating

transitive verb

1
a
: to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to
b
: to restore to an original or new state
rejuvenate old cars
2
a
: to stimulate (a stream) to renewed erosive activity especially by uplift
b
: to develop youthful features of topography in

intransitive verb

: to cause or undergo rejuvenescence
rejuvenator noun

Did you know?

Rejuvenate originated as a combination of the prefix re-, which means "again," with the Latin parent of juvenile and juniorjuvenis, meaning "young." Rejuvenate literally means "to make young again" and can imply a restoration of physical or mental strength or a return to a more youthful, healthy condition. Things that are timeworn can also be rejuvenated.

Did you know?

Juvenis, Latin for "young", can be seen in a word such as juvenile. Rejuvenation is something that can be carried out on a creaky old house, a clunker of a car, a sluggish career, a weak economy, or a company that's lost its edge, but rejuvenate and rejuvenation are probably used most often for talking about our physical selves. Ads for lotions promise skin rejuvenation; diet-book covers show rejuvenated (or maybe just young) models bursting with health. We still seem to be searching for that "Fuente de la Juventud" that Juan Ponce de León failed to discover five hundred years ago.

Choose the Right Synonym for rejuvenate

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new.

renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new.

efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle

restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.

restored a fine piece of furniture

refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.

a refreshing drink

renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.

the apartment has been entirely renovated

rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.

the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of rejuvenate in a Sentence

The spa treatment rejuvenated me. Each candidate claims to have a plan to rejuvenate the sagging economy. Her efforts to rejuvenate her career have so far been unsuccessful.
Recent Examples on the Web This rejuvenating retreat allows corporate women to disconnect from the constant ping of notifications, share meaningful connections, and prioritize self-care. Essence, 8 Mar. 2024 Mayor Quinton Lucas and 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said at a committee meeting Tuesday that selection of a prospective developer is a hopeful next step for rejuvenating Parade Park Homes. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2024 Bian stone is known for its anti-aging and rejuvenating properties. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 But any move by the United States to challenge a decision by Zelensky, a popular figure in his own right, who has speculated privately that a new commander could rejuvenate Kyiv’s fortunes, could be seen as exercising undue influence. John Hudson, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2024 Or rejuvenate dull skin with a new Herbal Bliss Treatment; a zesty Privai ginger and walnut scrub followed by a 50-minute CBD massage. Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 From hydrating serums that promise dewy skin to vibrant lip colors perfect for sunny days, and rejuvenating hair treatments that bring out your best shine, these picks are all about embracing the freshness of spring. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 While the vibrant New Moon rejuvenates your 5th House of Pleasure, consider just hanging out together without any expectations beyond enjoying the moment. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024 Back at the hotel, cool down with a rejuvenating treatment at the dreamy Auriga Spa before being transported to the French Riviera for dinner at sublime Côte by three-star Michelin chef Mauro Colagreco. Isabelle Kliger, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rejuvenate.' 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

re- + Latin juvenis young — more at young

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rejuvenate was in 1742

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Dictionary Entries Near rejuvenate

Cite this Entry

“Rejuvenate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rejuvenate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rejuvenate

verb
re·​ju·​ve·​nate ri-ˈjü-və-ˌnāt How to pronounce rejuvenate (audio)
rejuvenated; rejuvenating
: to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to
rejuvenation noun
rejuvenator noun

Medical Definition

rejuvenate

verb
re·​ju·​ve·​nate ri-ˈjü-və-ˌnāt How to pronounce rejuvenate (audio)
rejuvenated; rejuvenating

transitive verb

: to make young or youthful again
specifically : to restore sexual vigor in (as by hormones or an operation)

intransitive verb

: to cause or undergo a renewal of youthfulness
rejuvenator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rejuvenate

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