noun

reintegration

ree-in-tuh-GRAY-shun/riˈɪntʌɡrˌeɪʃʌn/

The process of becoming part of a group, society, or system again.

The fragment's reintegration restores it to its original place in the bowl.

A conservator returns a matching broken fragment to the gap in an otherwise reassembled ceramic bowl, visibly restoring the fragment to its original whole.

Etymology

reEnglishback to a former condition

+integratEnglishmake whole

+ionEnglishaction or process

Re- points back to a former condition, while integrate supplies the idea of making whole. The noun names a restorative process: bringing someone or something back into a whole.

In context

Historical Justice32:14

temporary punishment that marked criminals, but allowed their eventual reintegration. We've chosen invisible, institutional, extended punishment that separates criminals from society and often ensures they can never fully return.

The Pillory and Stocks: Public Punishment in Medieval Europe

More examples

Her gradual reintegration into the team begins with shorter shifts.
Stable housing helps with reintegration into society after prison.
The agreement allows the region's reintegration into the national economy.

Forms

reintegration

reintegrate verb — To make or become part of something again.

Similar words

reentry: Emphasizes entering again rather than rebuilding membership or participation.
readmission: Emphasizes permission to return rather than the process afterward.