restore

verb re·store \ ri-ˈstȯr \

|Updated on: 21 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: restore in a Sentence

Definition of restore

restored; restoring

transitive verb

1 : give back, return

2 : to put or bring back into existence or use

3 : to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : renew

4 : to put again in possession of something

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restorer

noun

See restore defined for English-language learners

See restore defined for kids

Examples of restore in a Sentence

The police restored law and order.
The government needs to restore confidence in the economy.
an antique car that is being carefully restored

Recent Examples of restore from the Web

In 2011, Nelson publicly commended Scott after the new governor proposed a state budget that restored some of the state’s share of funding for restoration projects.

— david smiley and mary ellen klas, miamiherald, "Florida’s politicians use slimy algae to muddy each other," 11 July 2018
Hatch, years older than Calloway, spoke about the need for more extensive reforms that will restore faith within the black community — life-changing jobs programs for young men, for instance.

— annie sweeney, chicagotribune.com, "Activist plans meetings for community to prepare for verdict in Laquan McDonald's killing by police," 9 July 2018
Communist leaders see advanced technology as a path to prosperity and to restoring national greatness.

— joe mcdonald, The Christian Science Monitor, "US tariffs could spur tech development in China," 5 July 2018
The neighbors' militaries are in the process of restoring communication lines that could defuse crises across their tense border.

— NBC News, "North Korea turns to basketball diplomacy ahead of Pompeo visit," 5 July 2018
Also, President Yoweri Museveni has addressed the nation with his 10-point plan for restoring security in Uganda, but many are dubious about whether this will solve the problem, according to Global Voices.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Ugandan Women Step Out to Protest Rising Violence Against Women," 2 July 2018
But 18 months ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved a first, promising treatment: a drug that restores production of a key protein missing in SMA.

— meredith wadman, Science | AAAS, "U.S. Health secretary under pressure to approve screening of newborns for fatal genetic disease," 28 June 2018
Building a house may seem like a few leaps and bounds from restoring a chair, but the couple felt up to the challenge.

— candace braun davison, House Beautiful, "How HGTV's Jasmine Roth Turned Her Hobby Into A Full-Blown Empire," 26 June 2018
Is there a service that would restore it to its former rustic charm?

— jeanne huber, sacbee, "No need to get all bent over sculpture rust," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'restore.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of restore

Middle English, from Anglo-French restorer, from Latin restaurare to renew, rebuild, alteration of instaurare to renew

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

restore Synonyms

Synonyms

freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, renew, repair, resuscitate, revitalize, revive;

refill, replenish, resupply;

modernize, update;

Synonym Discussion of restore

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

RESTORE Defined for English Language Learners

restore

verb

Definition of restore for English Language Learners

: to give back (someone or something that was lost or taken) : to return (someone or something)
: to put or bring (something) back into existence or use
: to return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.