redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• readdress
• reanalyze
• reconceive
• reconsider
• reevaluate
• reexamine
• reexplore
• rethink
• review
• revisit
• reweigh

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

But with three heartbreaking murders under his belt, the city under his thumb, and The Batman: Part II looming, Oz Cobb is standing tall at the end of The Penguin, redefining the character and readying him for a return to whatever future version of Gotham beckons him back home. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024

The journey ahead promises not only to push the limits of exploration but to redefine our relationship with the universe and, most importantly, to better protect our planet. —Shelli Brunswick, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

This process was further clarified by the 2022 amendments to the Electoral Count Act, which redefined the certification of electoral votes and affirmed the vice president’s role as purely ceremonial. —Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024

Jupiter’s retrograde in Gemini might prompt you to review your personal growth and redefine your goals. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals