recuperate

verb

re·​cu·​per·​ate ri-ˈkü-pə-ˌrāt 

-ˈkyü-

recuperated; recuperating

transitive verb

1

: to get back : regain

2

: to bring back into use or currency : revive

recuperate old traditions

intransitive verb

: to regain a former state or condition

especially : to recover health or strength

recuperation

ri-ˌkü-pə-ˈrā-shən 

-ˌkyü-

noun

Synonyms

• come back
• convalesce
• gain
• heal
• mend
• pull round [chiefly British]
• rally
• recoup
• recover
• snap back

Examples of recuperate in a Sentence

She took a day off to recuperate.

half the office was out today, many employees being sick or recuperating from the flu

Recent Examples on the Web

More than anything, your accommodations will allow for plenty of time to rest and recuperate, granting you the oft-rare opportunity to unplug and meaningfully connect with your loved one. —Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

In light of this, doctors have urged her to take time to recuperate fully, and as such adjustments have been made to her schedule, including her participation in the emir’s visit. —Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 3 Dec. 2024

State visits are synonymous with packed schedules, and the Queen is simply taking more time to recuperate. —Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Take time to rest and recuperate, but don’t disengage. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin recuperatus, past participle of recuperare — more at recover

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

recuperate

verb

re·​cu·​per·​ate ri-ˈk(y)ü-pə-ˌrāt 

recuperated; recuperating

: recover sense 2

especially : to regain health or strength

recuperation

-ˌk(y)ü-pə-ˈrā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

recuperate

verb

re·​cu·​per·​ate ri-ˈk(y)ü-pə-ˌrāt 

recuperated; recuperating

transitive verb

: to get back or recover

recuperating health and strength after pneumonia

intransitive verb

: to recover health or strength

time to recuperate after major surgery