rehab
n. · v.-
1 treatment process (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Medicinethe process of getting help to stop using drugs or alcohol, or to recover from an injury.
the therapeutic process of recovery from substance addiction or physical injury. Often used without an article in this sense.
ExampleAfter his knee surgery, he had to spend three months in rehab to walk again.
ExampleThe athlete's commitment to her physical rehab allowed her to return to the pitch months ahead of the surgeon's initial projections.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of recovery.
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2 treatment center (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Medicinea clinic or hospital where people stay to recover from addiction.
a specialised facility or clinic providing treatment for individuals with substance use disorders or physical disabilities.
ExampleThe family helped him find a good rehab near the coast.
ExampleThe celebrity checked into a private rehab in the mountains to escape media scrutiny during his initial detoxification phase.
UsageFunctions as a countable noun when referring to a specific institution.
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3 to rehabilitate (v.) C1 Advanced Informalto help someone return to a healthy life or to fix up an old building.
to restore to a state of health, constructive activity, or good condition. Transitive — requires a direct object.
ExampleThey plan to rehab the old factory and turn it into modern apartments.
ExampleThe city council allocated funds to rehab the historic district, aiming to preserve the original facades while updating the internal infrastructure.
Teacher's tipWhile common in American English for property renovation, 'rehab' as a verb for people is less frequent than the full word 'rehabilitate'.
Clipping of rehabilitation.