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

By way of an ambulance transport plane with two nurses, Sweet was eventually flown back to Omaha to begin rehab at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025

Instead of immediately seeking out extra-cushioned footwear or super-specialized shoe inserts, start with some foot exercises, says Irene Davis, a professor of physical therapy and rehab sciences at the University of South Florida. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025

Webb and her husband, who is also a founder of Drybar, divorced, and her son entered rehab for addiction. —Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 June 2025

Stephenson returned from a 13-month rehab from Tommy John surgery, only to get hurt in his second game back. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 6 June 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