verb

restore

To return something to an earlier condition or give it back.

She restores old furniture to its original beauty.

Etymology

Latin restaurare means to rebuild or renew. Restoring something brings it back toward an earlier condition or returns it to its previous possessor.

More examples

  • Crews restored power to the neighborhood after the storm.
  • The court restored the land to its rightful owners.
  • His honest apology helps restore my trust in him.

Forms

restore · restores · restored · restoring

restoration noun — The act of returning something to its former condition.

restorer noun — Someone who returns things to their former condition.

Similar words

repair
Fixes damage without necessarily returning something to its original condition.
return
Emphasizes giving something back rather than improving its condition.
reinstate
Specifically restores a former position, right, rule, or status.