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

Strider missed the first three weeks of the season while completing his rehab from internal-brace surgery, then made one start and missed five more weeks for a hamstring strain. —David O'Brien, New York Times, 28 May 2025

Aaron Boone said that Chisholm could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Thursday prior to the Yankees’ 3-2 win over the Angels on Tuesday, per Newsday’s Erik Boland. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025

The team expects Tremble be ready to rehab by training camp in July, and the squad will evaluate him from there. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025

Training room Miami: RHP Eury Pérez (Tommy John) is likely two rehab starts away from rejoining the rotation. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 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