Definition

1. Verb:
   • To bring back into original existence, use, function, or position: To return something to a previous, often better or original, state or condition.
   • To give or bring back: To return something to its proper owner or place.
   • To return to life; get or give new life or energy: To revive or reinvigorate someone or something.
   • To return to its original or usable and functioning condition: To repair or rebuild something so it is like new.

Usage and Examples

• To bring back an original state or function:
  • The government promised to restore law and order after the riots.
  • Conservationists work to restore the forest to its original pristine condition.
• To return something to its owner or place:
  • The police restored the stolen painting to its rightful owner.
  • Please restore the book to its place on the shelf when you are finished.
• To revive or reinvigorate:
  • A week at the spa completely restored me.
• To repair or fix:
  • She restored her antique car to perfect working order.
  • They are raising funds to restore the historic cathedral.

Advanced Usage

• "to restore someone to something": To formally give back a position, right, or state to a person.
  • The court restored him to his former post.
  • The new treatment restored her to health.

Variants and Related Words

• Restoration (n): The act of restoring or the process of being restored.
  • The building is closed for restoration.
• Restorative (adj/n): Having the ability to restore health or strength. (As a noun) Something that restores.
  • (adj) The climate was restorative for her health.
  • (n) A cup of tea can be a wonderful restorative.

Synonyms

• Reinstate: To put someone back in a position or role.
• Renovate: To repair and improve a building.
• Revive: To bring back to life or consciousness; to make active or popular again.
• Return: To give, put, or send something back.

Phrasal Verbs

(The word "restore" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meanings are typically expressed through the verb itself with prepositional phrases, e.g., "restore to.")

Related Idioms

• To restore faith in: To make people believe in something again.
  • The team's victory restored the fans' faith in the club.
• To restore balance/equilibrium: To bring a situation back to a stable or fair state.
  • The new policy aims to restore economic balance.

Verb

1. bring back into original existence, use, function, or position
   • restore law and order
   • reestablish peace in the region
   • restore the emperor to the throne
2. restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
   • She repaired her TV set
   • Repair my shoes please
3. give or bring back
   • Restore the stolen painting to its rightful owner
4. return to life; get or give new life or energy
   • The week at the spa restored me
5. return to its original or usable and functioning condition
   • restore the forest to its original pristine condition