rejuvenate
rih-JOO-vuh-nayt
/rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/
To make someone or something look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively.
It implies a deep restoration, often after a period of neglect or heavy use.
The story behind the word. This word is a literal time machine. 'Re-' means again, and 'iuvenis' means young (the same root as 'juvenile'). To rejuvenate is to 'become young again.'
Word relationships
- revitalize: Revitalize means to give new life; rejuvenate specifically implies returning to a youthful state.
- enervate: To drain of energy or vitality.
Commonly confused with
- renovate: Renovate is for buildings; rejuvenate is usually for people or systems.
Word family
- rejuvenation (noun): the action of rejuvenating.
Collocations
- rejuvenate the mind
- rejuvenate the economy
- feel rejuvenated
- completely rejuvenate
Example sentences
- "A week in the mountains will rejuvenate your spirit and body." Travel brochure.
- "The city council plans to rejuvenate the downtown area with new parks and shops." Urban planning.
Memory hook
Re-Juvenate: To make 'Juvenile' (young) 'Again' (Re). Find your youth again.
When not to use
Don't use it for a quick 5-minute break; use it for a vacation or a major life change.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, 'rejuvenescence' was a popular scientific term for the regrowth of plant cells.
Explore more words
revitalize, invigorate, restorative, recuperate, renovation, regenerative
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