restore

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verb re·store \ri-ˈstȯr\

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

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

Several council members agree with Capretz, prompting the city’s Independent Budget Analyst to recommend that money get restored on Monday.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Critics say Faulconer budget moves too slow on climate priorities", 3 June 2017
Scott continued, noting state funding for projects to restore the Everglades, alleviate flooding and replace beach sand.

— patricia mazzei, miamiherald, "Is man-made climate change real? Florida’s top GOP leaders won’t say", 2 June 2017
While the other key private- and public-sector dynamics are still driving toward a cleaner energy future, Trump is seeking to resist that transition and restore the primacy of fossil fuels.

— ronald brownstein, The Atlantic, "Is Trump's Climate-Change Agenda Politically Sustainable?", 1 June 2017
City officials whittled that down to $75,000, including a grant of $60,000 and an additional $15,000 the city expects to spend to close and restore a curb cut on Crestview.

— graydon megan, chicagotribune.com, "Swim school opens in Elmhurst, without city financial assistance", 30 May 2017
The federal Treasury Department says in a statement that full operations were restored Monday on the World Trade Bridge between Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Laredo, Texas.

— associated press, Washington Post, "Mexico says operations resume at key US commercial crossing", 29 May 2017
Macron has said in the run-up to assuming power that his plan was to restore the image of the French presidency, without adding that his two predecessors tarnished it.

— helene fouquet, Bloomberg.com, "Macron Erupts on World Stage With Trump Snub and a Bromance", 27 May 2017
Students worked to restore the land, planting trees and building trails and facilities for visitors.

— susan kelleher, The Seattle Times, "Vet: Seattle’s Cleveland High Memorial Forest ‘gives you a feeling of pride’", 26 May 2017
Perhaps that better future allows the Colorado River to flow along its entire course, restoring a once lush wetland teeming with life while also allowing for all the human uses along its length.

— david biello, New York Times, "The Colorado River and Its Unnatural World", 24 May 2017

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!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

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

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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.