recovers; recovered; recovering
1
a
: to become healthy after an illness or injury : to return to normal health
She had a heart attack but is recovering well.
—often + fromHe's at home recovering from the flu.
I feel fully recovered from my surgery.
b
: to return to a normal state after a period of difficulty
Share prices will be down until the economy recovers.
—often + fromThe team never recovered from the devastating loss.
The city will recover from this recession eventually.
2
a
: to get (something, such as an ability or feeling) again
He'll try again when he recovers [=regains] his confidence.
She recovered consciousness in the hospital.
I slipped, but somehow recovered my balance.
He suffered a stroke and hasn't yet recovered the use of his left arm.
b
: to get back (something stolen or lost)
The police recovered his stolen wallet.
The program helps users recover computer files that have been deleted.
a recovered computer file
—often + fromVery little was recovered from the wrecked ship.
c
: to get back (money that has been spent, invested, etc.)
The author gets no royalties until the publisher recovers [=recoups] the expenses of publication.
He may sue the company to recover damages for injuries caused by the device. [=to get money from the company to make up for being injured by the device]
Cite this Entry
“Recover.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/recover. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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