-ləˌtāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin rehabilitatus, past participle of rehabilitare, from Latin re- + Late Latin habilitare to habilitate — more at habilitate
1.
a. : to restore (as a delinquent) by a formal act or declaration to a former right, rank, or privilege lost or forfeited : invest or clothe again with some right, authority, or dignity : restore to a former capacity : qualify again : reinstate
the judges … were rehabilitated by the payment of a fine — William Stubbs
b. : to restore to good repute by vindicating : clear of unjust or unfounded charges : reestablish the good name of
a campaign to rehabilitate the memory of … England's wickedest king — New York Times
wish to rehabilitate this country in the eyes of those nations whose good opinion we value — Edith Summerskill
2.
a. : to put on a proper basis or into a previous good state : restore (as something damaged or decayed) to a state of efficiency and good management
rehabilitate … forests that once supplied a large share of the country's timber — American Guide Series: Minnesota
rehabilitate wastelands
rehabilitate slum areas
b. : to restore to a condition of health or normal activity by a process of medical rehabilitation
rehabilitate a person after he has lost his sight — Current Biography
c. : to restore to a useful and constructive place in society through social rehabilitation
nuns who attempt to rehabilitate a prostitute — Curtis Harrington
d. : to restore to a state of solvency or efficiency
rehabilitate a company financially
rehabilitate equipment