1 restore | Definition of restore
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restore

verb
re·​store | \ ri-ˈstȯr How to pronounce restore (audio) \
restored; restoring

Definition of restore

transitive verb

1 : give back, return
2 : to put or bring back into existence or use
3 : to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : renew
4 : to put again in possession of something
Other Words from restore Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about restore

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Other Words from restore

restorer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for restore

renew, restore, refresh, renovate, rejuvenate mean to make like new. renew implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new. efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle restore implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss. restored a fine piece of furniture refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power. a refreshing drink renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. the apartment has been entirely renovated rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance. the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits

Examples of restore in a Sentence

The police restored law and order. The government needs to restore confidence in the economy. an antique car that is being carefully restored
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The district has been on alert following a June ransomware attack, during which hackers locked the district’s systems and demanded a ransom in exchange for restoring access. — Slade Rand, courant.com, "Wolcott Public Schools go offline once again following a possible second ransomware attack," 11 Sep. 2019 The mayor refused to pay and the city began the arduous job of cleaning its systems, restoring its files and getting services back online. — Ian Duncan, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore IT director who was at helm during ransomware attack and city’s recovery is on leave," 10 Sep. 2019 Work alongside conservationists on a variety of park preservation initiatives aimed at restoring the natural balance of its habitats. — National Geographic, "Hawaii Community Service: Island Habitat Restoration," 10 Sep. 2019 Painting, power washing, getting your driveway repaired, and restoring bricks or stone are just a few of her favorite projects to tackle to up your curb appeal. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, "HGTV's Egypt Sherrod Wishes You Would Stop Using Shiplap Already," 9 Sep. 2019 Even the higher sodium content is great for restoring salt from your sweat. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "How To Eat Well on Your Next Backpacking Trip," 7 Sep. 2019 Projects already completed include adding new restroom facilities, a maintenance building, tower repainting, repairing of a copper roof and restoring outbuildings such as the unusual, six-sided limestone oil house, a privy and barn. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "To get to the 150-year-old Cana Island Lighthouse, you have to ride a wagon through Lake Michigan," 6 Sep. 2019 All this means that WeWork will have to put more effort into building and restoring public faith in its leadership and future prospects. — Sarah Todd, Quartz at Work, "WeWork’s new board member has a history of reforming sexist cultures," 6 Sep. 2019 Nassau, about 90 miles south of Abaco, was largely untouched by the storm, but the city is bustling with relief workers from the World Health Organization and USAID, among others, as authorities begin restoring access to Abaco and Marsh Harbor. — Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, "No way in, or out: Dorian's damage to Bahamas leaves survivors and rescue teams frustrated," 6 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'restore.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of restore

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for restore

Middle English, from Anglo-French restorer, from Latin restaurare to renew, rebuild, alteration of instaurare to renew

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More Definitions for restore

restore

verb
How to pronounce restore (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of restore

: to give back (someone or something that was lost or taken) : to return (someone or something)
: to put or bring (something) back into existence or use
: to return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

See the full definition for restore in the English Language Learners Dictionary

restore

verb
re·​store | \ ri-ˈstȯr How to pronounce restore (audio) \
restored; restoring

Kids Definition of restore

1 : to put or bring back to an earlier or original state
2 : to put back into use or service Power has been restored.
3 : to give back Police restored the stolen car to its owner.

restore

transitive verb
re·​store | \ ri-ˈstō(ə)r, -ˈstȯ(ə)r How to pronounce restore (audio) \
restored; restoring

Medical Definition of restore

: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state a tooth restored with an inlay

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