noun

rehabilitation

ree-uh-bil-ih-TAY-shun/ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/

Restoration of useful or accepted functioning.

Rehabilitation helps her regain strength and balance after knee surgery.

East Asian patient practices controlled steps between rehabilitation bars.

Etymology

reLatinagain, back

+habilitLatinto make fit or capable

+ationLatinaction or process

Making someone fit again first referred to reinstating a former rank or standing. The same restorative idea broadened to recovering health and ability or rebuilding a good reputation.

In context

CrashCourse7:49

So one option is rehabilitation. Here, the approach is to give wrongdoers help, so they can learn how to get along in society and follow its rules. The focus is often on education and, if needed, therapy.

What Is Justice?: Crash Course Philosophy #40

More examples

The prison offers job training as part of rehabilitation.
His rehabilitation includes counseling to address his alcohol use.
The old apartment building needs extensive rehabilitation before tenants can return.

Forms

rehabilitation

rehabilitate verb — To restore health, abilities, or usefulness.

rehabilitative adjective — Intended to restore health, abilities, or usefulness.

Similar words

recovery: Emphasizes getting better rather than the measures that help.
restoration: Emphasizes returning something to its former condition, including its appearance.
reintegration: Emphasizes rejoining society or a group rather than regaining abilities.