restore Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Re*store" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. restoren, OF. restorer, F. restaurer, fr. L. restaurare; pref. re- re- + an unused word; cf. Gr. an upright pale or stake, Skr. sthvara fixed, firm. Cf. Restaurant, Store.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Restored present participle & verbal noun Restoring
Definitions
  1. To bring back to its former state; to bring back from a state of ruin, decay, disease, or the like; to repair; to renew; to recover. "To restore and to build Jerusalem." Dan. ix. 25.
    Our fortune restored after the severest afflictions. Prior.
    And his hand was restored whole as the other. Mark iii. 5.
  2. To give or bring back, as that which has been lost., or taken away; to bring back to the owner; to replace.
    Now therefore restore the man his wife. Gen. xx. 7.
    Loss of Eden, till one greater man Restore us, and regain the blissful seat. Milton.
    The father banished virtue shall restore. Dryden.
  3. To renew; to reëstablish; as, to restore harmony among those who are variance.
  4. To give in place of, or as satisfaction for.
    He shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Ex. xxii. 1.
  5. To make good; to make amends for.
    But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restored, and sorrows end. Shak.
  6. (Fine Arts) (a) To bring back from a state of injury or decay, or from a changed condition; as, to restore a painting, statue, etc. (b) To form a picture or model of, as of something lost or mutilated; as, to restore a ruined building, city, or the like. Syn. -- To return; replace; refund; repay; reinstate; rebuild; reëstablish; renew; repair; revive; recover; heal; cure.
Re*store" noun
Definitions
  1. Restoration. Obs. Spenser.

Webster 1913