English Reference
verb · noun

reboot

v. · n.
US /ɹiˈbut/ UK /ɹɪbˈuːt/ re·boot UK spelling rebooted, reboots

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Computing

    v.to turn a computer off and on again to fix a problem or update software.

    v.to execute a computer's boot process again, causing the operating system to reload, often to resolve a system failure.

    Simple

    If the screen freezes, you might need to reboot your laptop.

    In context

    The system administrator advised all employees to reboot their workstations following the critical security patch installation.

    Usage

    Can be used as both a transitive and intransitive verb.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to start a project, career, or plan again from the beginning.

    v.to initiate a fresh start for a process, career, or organisation, often after a period of failure or stagnation.

    Simple

    The company is trying to reboot its image with a new logo and better service.

    In context

    After several years of declining sales, the fashion house attempted to reboot the brand by hiring a younger creative director.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    n.a new version of a film, book, or game series that starts the story over.

    n.a new version of an established media franchise that discards or ignores previous continuity to start the narrative fresh.

    Simple

    The latest Batman reboot focuses on his early years as a detective.

    In context

    Critics argued that the cinematic reboot lacked the charm of the original trilogy, despite its impressive special effects.

    remakereimagining
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Computing

    n.the act of starting a computer or a system again.

    n.an instance of restarting a computer system or a process.

    Simple

    A quick reboot should fix the connection issues you are having.

    In context

    The server requires a scheduled reboot every Sunday night to maintain optimal performance levels of performance.


From re- + boot.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated