# rehab

/ɹihæb/ (US) · /ɹɪhˈæb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rehab
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. treatment process

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the process of getting help to stop using drugs or alcohol, or to recover from an injury.

For teachers: the therapeutic process of recovery from substance addiction or physical injury. Often used without an article in this sense.

- After his knee surgery, he had to spend three months in rehab to walk again.
- The athlete's commitment to her physical rehab allowed her to return to the pitch months ahead of the surgeon's initial projections.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of recovery.

### 2. treatment center

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a clinic or hospital where people stay to recover from addiction.

For teachers: a specialised facility or clinic providing treatment for individuals with substance use disorders or physical disabilities.

- The family helped him find a good rehab near the coast.
- The celebrity checked into a private rehab in the mountains to escape media scrutiny during his initial detoxification phase.

Usage: Functions as a countable noun when referring to a specific institution.

### 3. to rehabilitate

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to help someone return to a healthy life or to fix up an old building.

For teachers: to restore to a state of health, constructive activity, or good condition. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- They plan to rehab the old factory and turn it into modern apartments.
- The city council allocated funds to rehab the historic district, aiming to preserve the original facades while updating the internal infrastructure.

Teaching tip: While common in American English for property renovation, 'rehab' as a verb for people is less frequent than the full word 'rehabilitate'.

## Examples

- He spent three months in rehab after his knee surgery.
- The singer checked into rehab to address her long-standing struggle with alcohol addiction.
- While the facility offers luxury amenities, its primary focus remains a rigorous rehab program designed to help patients reintegrate into society without the need for substances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.