/ rɪˈstɔː(r); NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
restore sth (to sb) to bring back a situation or feeling that existed before :
The measures are intended to restore public confidence in the economy.
Order was quickly restored after the riots.
Such kindness restores your faith in human nature (= makes you believe most people are kind) .
The operation restored his sight (= made him able to see again) .
2.
restore sb/sth to sth to bring sb/sth back to a former condition, place or position :
He is now fully restored to health.
We hope to restore the garden to its former glory (= make it as beautiful as it used to be) .
3.
restore sth to repair a building, work of art, piece of furniture, etc. so that it looks as good as it did originally :
Her job is restoring old paintings.
4.
to bring a law, tradition, way of working, etc. back into use
SYN reintroduce :
to restore ancient traditions
Some people argue that the death penalty should be restored.
5.
restore sth (to sb/sth) ( formal ) to give sth that was lost or stolen back to sb :
The police have now restored the painting to its rightful owner.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French restorer , from Latin restaurare rebuild, restore.