revive

verb

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

intransitive verb

: to return to consciousness or life : become active or flourishing again
Business is beginning to revive.

transitive verb

1
: to restore to consciousness, life, or healthy condition
doctors trying to revive a patient
Water revived the wilting flowers.
2
: to restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state : bring back
The movie revived her career.
3
: to renew in the mind or memory
Visiting the old house revived childhood memories.
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump revives campaign pledge to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, potentially saving Americans billions. Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026 This concentrated treatment pairs barrier-supporting peptides with deep hydrators like glycerin, sorbitol, and butylene glycol to smooth roughness and revive skin that feels tight or depleted in winter. Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026 Gum became an early form of wellness, and companies are trying to revive that idea today as gum sales decline, according to National Geographic. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026 Paramedics were unable to revive him. Logan Smith, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for revive

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revive. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!