rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

1

: the action or process of rehabilitating : rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

2

: a rehabilitated building or dwelling

rehab verb

rehabber

ˈrē-ˌha-bər 

noun

Synonyms

• comeback
• convalescence
• healing
• mending
• rally
• recovery
• recuperation
• rehabilitation
• snapback

Examples of rehab in a Sentence

The rehab for his leg injury is going well.

the accident victim had to undergo months of rehab before she could walk again

Recent Examples on the Web

The Emmy-winning actress’ latest arrest comes with several brushes with the law and a years-long struggle with alcoholism, including a drunk driving arrest in 2002 that resulted in her being dropped from CSI: Miami the next year and entering rehab. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025

That would presumably mean a rehab start or two before returning. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025

Mitchell Robinson was midway through a 10-month rehab after his second ankle surgery, leaving the Knicks dangerously thin at the five. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025

Hard caps on rehab endure in part because of an omission in the Affordable Care Act. —Jordan Rau, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

: rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers