rejuvenate
To make someone or something look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively.
While often used in beauty contexts (skin rejuvenation), in the context of sleep, it refers to the restorative power of deep rest on the mind and body.
Word relationships
- revitalize: 'Revitalize' means to give new life or vigor, whereas 'rejuvenate' specifically carries the root meaning of making young or fresh again.
- refresh: 'Refresh' is a simpler, lighter term, often referring to a temporary cooling or quick restoration.
- debilitate: 'Debilitate' means to make weak or infirm over time.
- exhaust: 'Exhaust' means to completely drain of strength or resources.
Commonly confused with
- renovate: 'Renovate' is used for physical structures like buildings, while 'rejuvenate' is used for living beings, spirits, or abstract concepts.
Word family
- rejuvenation (noun): The action or process of making someone look or feel young again.
- rejuvenator (noun): Something that restores youth or vigor.
Collocations
- rejuvenate the skin
- rejuvenate the mind
- feel rejuvenated
Example sentences
- "A solid eight hours of undisturbed sleep can completely rejuvenate your mind and body." Discussing the benefits of a good night's sleep.
- "She returned from her spa weekend looking completely rejuvenated and full of energy." Describing the effects of a vacation.
Memory hook
Look at the middle of the word: 'juve'. This is the same root found in 'juvenile' (young). So, re-JUVE-nate is to make juvenile (young) again! Re-juve-nate: Return to juvenile energy.
When not to use
Do not use 'rejuvenate' if you only mean 'to repair' a mechanical object; it is best reserved for living things, organizations, or systems.
Fun facts
- The mythical Fountain of Youth was believed to have rejuvenating waters that could cure sickness and reverse aging.
Explore more words
revitalize, invigorate, restorative, recuperate, renovation, regenerative
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