repair

verb re·pair \ ri-ˈper \

Definition of repair

transitive verb

1 a : to restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken : fix

repair a shoe

b : to restore to a sound or healthy state : renew

repair his strength

2 : to make good : compensate for : remedy

repair a gap in my reading

intransitive verb

: to make repairs

—

repairability

play \ri-ˌper-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

—

repairable

play \ri-ˈper-ə-bəl\ adjective

—

repairer

play \ri-ˈper-ər\ noun

repair was our Word of the Day on 12/05/2015. Hear the podcast!

Origin and Etymology of repair

Middle English, from Anglo-French reparer, from Latin reparare, from re- + parare to prepare — more at pare

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of repair

mend, repair, patch, rebuild mean to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective. mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

- mended the torn dress

repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

- repaired the back steps

patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

- patch worn jeans

rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

- a rebuilt automobile engine

repair

noun

Definition of repair

1 a : an instance or result of repairing

b : the act or process of repairing

c : the replacement of destroyed cells or tissues by new formations

2 a : relative condition with respect to soundness or need of repairing

b : the state of being in good or sound condition

First Known Use of repair

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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repair

verb

Definition of repair

intransitive verb

1 a : to betake oneself : go

repaired to the judge's chambers

b : to come together : rally

2 obsolete : return

Origin and Etymology of repair

Middle English, from Anglo-French repairer to go back, return from Late Latin repatriare to go home again, from Latin re- + patria native country — more at expatriate

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

repair

noun

Definition of repair

1 : the act of repairing : resort

2 : a popular gathering place

First Known Use of repair

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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REPAIR Defined for Kids

repair

verb re·pair \ ri-ˈper \

Definition of repair for Students

repaired; repairing

1 : to put back in good condition : fix

Can you repair this broken toy?

2 : to make up for

I can't repair the damage I did to our friendship.

repair

noun

Definition of repair for Students

1 : the act or process of putting back in good condition

2 : ¹condition 1

The house is in good repair.

Medical Dictionary

repair

transitive verb re·pair \ ri-ˈpa(ə)r, -ˈpe(ə)r \

medical Definition of repair

: to restore to a sound or healthy state

a surgical procedure to repair damaged tissue

repair

noun

medical Definition of repair

1 a : the act or process of repairing

surgical repair of a detached retina

b : an instance or result of repairing

2 : the replacement of destroyed cells or tissues by new formations

Learn More about repair

See words that rhyme with repair Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for repair Spanish Central: Translation of repair Nglish: Translation of repair for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of repair for Arabic speakers

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repair

Definition of repair

repairability

repairable

repairer

repair was our Word of the Day on 12/05/2015. Hear the podcast!

Origin and Etymology of repair

Synonym Discussion of repair

repair

Definition of repair

First Known Use of repair

repair

Definition of repair

Origin and Etymology of repair

repair

Definition of repair

First Known Use of repair

Phrases Related to REPAIR

Related Phrases

REPAIR Defined for Kids

repair

Definition of repair for Students

repair

Definition of repair for Students

Medical Dictionary

repair

medical Definition of repair

repair

medical Definition of repair

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