1. to restore someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after illness, injury, or imprisonment
2. to restore something to good condition or working order
3. to restore someone’s reputation or standing in society

Examples

• The physical therapist helped rehabilitate the athlete after his knee surgery.
• The program aims to rehabilitate former prisoners and help them find jobs.
• The city plans to rehabilitate the old downtown buildings.
• She worked hard to rehabilitate her damaged reputation.
• The wildlife center rehabilitates injured birds before releasing them.
• Drug rehabilitation programs help people overcome addiction.
• The historic theater was rehabilitated and reopened to the public.