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 rehabilitates patients after knee surgery.
• The program rehabilitates former prisoners by teaching job skills.
• The city rehabilitates old buildings in the historic district.
• She rehabilitates injured wildlife before releasing them.
• The documentary rehabilitates the scientist’s damaged reputation.
• The charity rehabilitates abandoned houses for low-income families.
• The clinic rehabilitates people recovering from addiction.