revitalize

verb

re·​vi·​tal·​ize (ˌ)rē-ˈvī-tə-ˌlīz 

revitalized; revitalizing

transitive verb

: to give new life or vigor to

revitalization

(ˌ)rē-ˌvī-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• freshen
• recharge
• recreate
• refresh
• refreshen
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• renew
• repair
• restore
• resuscitate
• revive
• revivify

Examples of revitalize in a Sentence

The mayor hopes to revitalize the city.

a new cream that claims to revitalize sun-damaged skin

Recent Examples on the Web

Han Chong of Self-Portrait has emerged as a champion of struggling London designers, buying and revitalizing Roland Mouret’s label, which collapsed in 2021, and setting up a new residency program based at the Self-Portrait studio and headquarters near the Barbican in East London. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025

Modeled after Mediterranean villages in France and Spain, the area was revitalized in 2017 as a pedestrian-only street. —Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2025

Dubois’ strong bounce-back has revitalized the Capitals’ second line. —Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Pruning revitalizes our roses and prompts healthy growth. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

revitalize

verb

re·​vi·​tal·​ize (ˈ)rē-ˈvīt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

revitalized; revitalizing

: to give new life or vigor to

revitalization

(ˌ)rē-ˌvīt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

revitalize

transitive verb

re·​vi·​tal·​ize

variants also British revitalise

(ˈ)rē-ˈvīt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

revitalized also British revitalised; revitalizing also British revitalising

: to impart new life or vigor to : restore to an active or fresh condition

revitalization noun

also British revitalisation

(ˌ)rē-ˌvīt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən