revive

verb

re·​vive ri-ˈvīv How to pronounce revive (audio)
revived; reviving

intransitive verb

: to return to consciousness or life : become active or flourishing again

transitive verb

1
: to restore to consciousness or life
2
: to restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state : bring back
3
: to renew in the mind or memory
revivable adjective
reviver noun

Examples of revive in a Sentence

The success of the movie has revived her career. The government is trying to revive the economy. Our spirits were revived by his enthusiasm. The store's business is beginning to revive. The family is trying to revive an old custom. He has decided to revive Molière's Tartuffe.
Recent Examples on the Web The show will revive a presentation tactic last used 15 years ago in which five former winners in each of the four acting categories will individually pay tribute to this year’s nominees and then award this year’s winners, in effect welcoming them to the club. Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024 But Trump’s strong polling nationwide and Republican momentum in local voter registration numbers have revived worries. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024 Dune: Part Two has revived the box office with the biggest debut of the year so far. Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2024 Suits is being revived with a brand-new spinoff — but will Meghan Markle’s beloved character Rachel Zane make an appearance? Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Smuin Contemporary Ballet, the popular San Francisco troupe known for its evocative works that range from somber to silly to sassy, is turning 30 this year and is celebrating the milestone by reviving two favorite pieces created by company founder, the late Michael Smuin. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 There are hopes that Hoekstra can revive the party’s once-formidable organizing effort, but the clock is ticking. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 DeShaun Foster, hired on short notice to revive UCLA’s football program, will have a honeymoon this season but maybe not much beyond that. Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 The Biden administration has therefore been open about looking for ways to revive that prospect; these could include recognizing a nascent Palestinian state, a Palestinian state with some conditions to be met, or merely affirming an incontestable Palestinian right to a state. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2024

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

Middle English, from Anglo-French revivre, from Latin revivere to live again, from re- + vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of revive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near revive

Cite this Entry

“Revive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

revive

verb
re·​vive ri-ˈvīv How to pronounce revive (audio)
revived; reviving
1
: to make (someone or something) strong, active, or healthy again
2
: to bring back into use or popularity
trying to revive an old custom
reviver noun

Medical Definition

revive

verb
re·​vive ri-ˈvīv How to pronounce revive (audio)
revived; reviving

intransitive verb

: to return to consciousness or life

transitive verb

1
: to restore to consciousness or life
2
: to restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state
revivable adjective

Legal Definition

revive

transitive verb
re·​vive ri-ˈvīv How to pronounce revive (audio)
revived; reviving
: to restore the force, effect, or validity of (as a contract, will, or action)

More from Merriam-Webster on revive

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