restore

verb re·store \ ri-ˈstȯr \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

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

The Mosiers also want to restore a porch to the mansion's east side.

— tom daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Schuster Mansion bed and breakfast on Milwaukee's near west side plans to add garden and porch," 9 May 2018
First off, Stidham became a lead inspector for restoring the entire Pentagon facility and later was promoted to quality control manager with Hensel Phelps.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Detours in life lead to construction success," 8 May 2018
For decades, the mill sat empty and abandoned, until 1998, when the National Park Services purchased the mill, power plant and many other camp buildings from private owners and began restoring them.

— bailey berg, Anchorage Daily News, "Biggest of the big: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Kennecott Mines," 3 May 2018
Families are beginning to return—and the PHA has promised to restore new housing at Blumberg for all of the residents displaced who want to come back.

— kia gregory, The Root, "Philadelphia’s Housing Authority Bought a High School: What Does That Mean for One of the City’s Poorest Neighborhoods?," 2 May 2018
The city has already sent workers out to clear overgrowth at the Glendale Steps and will provide some funding to restore them, Hardy said.

— jennifer conn, akron reporter, cleveland.com, "Akron's West Hill neighborhood plans Towpath Trail link, new park and beautification at Glendale Steps, Cadillac Hill," 1 May 2018
All registration fees and donation will benefit the TTCP a local non-profit created to restore the vibrancy of Hebron's historic center.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Hebron Edition," 24 Apr. 2018
During his interview with union members, Morris said Ball was supportive of restoring the funding level over the course of his term, if elected.

— kate magill, Columbia Flier, "Teachers union endorses Ball for Howard county executive," 20 Apr. 2018
Let the shoes dry completely, and use a clean rag to rub in leather conditioner, like Lexol’s Leather Deep Conditioner, to restore moisture.

— james lynch, Popular Mechanics, "How to Make Your Leather Shoes Last Forever," 19 Apr. 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.