[re.ha.bil.i.tate] vt -tat.ed ; -tat.ing [ML rehabilitatus, pp. of rehabilitare, fr. L re- + LL habilitare to habilitate] (ca. 1581) 1 a: to restore to a former capacity: reinstate b: to restore to good repute: reestablish the good name of
2. a: to restore to a former state (as of efficiency, good management, or solvency) "~ slum areas" b: to restore or bring to a condition of health or useful and constructive activity -- re.ha.bil.i.ta.tion n -- re.ha.bil.i.ta.tive adj -- re.ha.bil.i.ta.tor n