regenerate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
    renew.
    • We renewed our friendship after a hiatus of twenty years
    • They renewed their membership
  2. verb amplify (an electron current) by causing part of the power in the output circuit to act upon the input circuit
  3. verb bring, lead, or force to abandon a wrong or evil course of life, conduct, and adopt a right one
    rectify; reclaim; reform.
    • The Church reformed me
    • reform your conduct
  4. verb return to life; get or give new life or energy
    restore; rejuvenate.
    • The week at the spa restored me
  5. verb replace (tissue or a body part) through the formation of new tissue
    • The snake regenerated its tail
  6. verb be formed or shaped anew
  7. verb form or produce anew
    • regenerate hatred
  8. verb undergo regeneration
  9. verb restore strength
    revitalize.
    • This food revitalized the patient
  10. adjective reformed spiritually or morally
    • a regenerate sinner
    • regenerate by redemption from error or decay

WordNet

Re*gen"er*ate adjective
Etymology
L. regeneratus, p. p. of regenerare to regenerate; pref. re- re- + generare to beget. See Generate.
Definitions
  1. Reproduced.
    The earthly author of my blood, Whose youthful spirit, in me regenerate, Doth with a twofold vigor lift me up. Shak.
  2. (Theol.) Born anew; become Christian; renovated in heart; changed from a natural to a spiritual state.
Re*gen"er*ate transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To generate or produce anew; to reproduce; to give new life, strength, or vigor to.
    Through all the soil a genial fferment spreads. Regenerates the plauts, and new adorns the meads. Blackmore.
  2. (Theol.) To cause to be spiritually born anew; to cause to become a Christian; to convert from sin to holiness; to implant holy affections in the heart of.
  3. Hence, to make a radical change for the better in the character or condition of; as, to regenerate society.

Webster 1913