Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give a new name to someone or something: The action of changing the existing name of a person, place, organization, or file to a different one.
   • To name again: The action of assigning a name, which may be the same as before or a new one, often in a formal or official context.

Usage

• The verb rename is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being renamed) and often the new name, typically introduced by "to" or "as."
• It is commonly used in administrative, technological, and personal contexts.
• Common Structures:
  • rename + object
  • rename + object + to + new name
  • rename + object + as + new name

Examples

• Basic Usage:

  • The company decided to rename its flagship product.
  • They renamed the street to honor the civil rights leader.
  • Can you rename this file on the computer?

• With "to" or "as":

  • The city council voted to rename the park to "Unity Square."
  • After the acquisition, the hotel was renamed as "The Grand Plaza."

Advanced Usage

• In Computing: Frequently used for files, folders, variables, or database columns.
  • You must rename the variable to avoid a conflict.
• In Historical or Political Contexts: Often describes changing names to reflect new ideologies or to remove associations with past regimes.
  • Several cities were renamed after the country gained independence.

Variants and Related Words

• Renaming (n): The act or process of giving a new name.
  • The renaming of the airport caused some controversy.
• Name (v): To give a name to. (Rename implies a change from a previous name, while name is the initial act.)

Synonyms

• Rechristen: Often used for ships or boats.
• Rebrand: Often implies a name change for marketing or image purposes.
• Redesignate: Often used in formal or official contexts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The action is contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms specifically built around the verb "rename.")

Verb

1. name again or anew
   • He was renamed Minister of the Interior
2. assign a new name to
   • Many streets in the former East Germany were renamed in 1990