recover

1 of 2

verb (1)

re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkə-vər 

recovered; recovering ri-ˈkə-və-riŋ 

-ˈkəv-riŋ

transitive verb

1

: to get back : regain

2

a

: to bring back to normal position or condition

stumbled, then recovered himself

b

archaic : rescue

3

a

: to make up for

recover increased costs through higher prices

b

: to gain by legal process

4

archaic : reach

5

: to find or identify again

recover a comet

6

a

: to obtain from an ore, a waste product, or a by-product

b

: to save from loss and restore to usefulness : reclaim

intransitive verb

1

: to regain a normal position or condition (as of health)

recovering from a cold

2

: to obtain a final legal judgment in one's favor

recoverability

ri-ˌkə-və-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-ˌkəv-rə-

noun

recoverable

ri-ˈkə-və-rə-bəl 

-ˈkəv-rə-

adjective

recoverer

ri-ˈkə-vər-ər 

noun

re-cover

2 of 2

verb (2)

re-cov·​er (ˌ)rē-ˈkə-vər 

re-covered; re-covering; re-covers

transitive verb

: to cover again or anew

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• get back
• reacquire
• recapture
• reclaim
• re-collect
• recoup
• regain
• repossess
• retake
• retrieve

Examples of recover in a Sentence

Verb (1)

She had a heart attack but is recovering well.

Share prices will be down until the economy recovers.

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.

The police recovered his stolen wallet.

The program helps users recover computer files that have been deleted.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Two people were recovered, but one was declared deceased. —Bay City News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

Detectives recovered two handguns from the man and a rifle from inside the truck, according to police. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Microwave on high 2 for minutes, then turn over the bacon; re-cover with the paper towels. —Nancy Baggett, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Remove salmon from the refrigerator and turn pieces so all sides are immersed in the rub; re-cover and place container back in the refrigerator for at least 14 hours or up to 3 days. —Kimberly Winter Stern, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French recoverer, from Latin recuperare, from re- + *caperare, from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recover

• recover damages

Kids Definition

recover

1 of 2 verb

re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkəv-ər 

recovered; recovering -ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: regain sense 1

recover a lost wallet

recovered my breath

2

: to regain or bring back to normal health, self-confidence, or position

stumbled, then recovered myself

recovered from the flu

3

: to make up for

recover lost time

4

: to obtain something useful by separating it from a source (as ore or waste) : reclaim

recover gold from gravel

recoverable

-ˈkəv-(ə-)rə-bəl 

adjective

re-cover

2 of 2 verb

re-cov·​er

(ˈ)rē-ˈkəv-ər

: to cover again

Medical Definition

recover

intransitive verb

re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkəv-ər 

recovered; recovering -(ə-)riŋ 

: to regain a normal position or condition (as of health)

recovering from the effects of a cold

Legal Definition

recover

transitive verb

re·​cov·​er ri-ˈkə-vər 

1

: to get back or get back an equivalent for

recover costs through higher prices

2

a

: to obtain or get back (as damages, satisfaction for a debt, or property) through a judgment or decree

recover damages in a tort action

b

: to obtain (a judgment) in one's favor

intransitive verb

1

: to get something back

2

: to obtain damages or something else through a judgment

argued that the plaintiff should not be permitted to recover