Rehabilitation
UK /["/ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/"]/
Definition
the process of helping somebody to return to a normal, healthy life after they have been in prison or very ill
In simple words: The process of getting better after an illness or injury.
Examples
- a drug rehabilitation centre
- the rehabilitation of offenders
- the rehabilitation of Magritte as an artist
- the rehabilitation of the steel industry
Usage notes
Use 'rehabilitation' in medical or social contexts. It's common in discussions about recovery from injuries or addiction. Avoid informal contexts.
Grammar pattern
rehabilitation + of + object
Memory hint
Think of 're-hab' like 'recovery habitat' where people heal.
Collocations
- drug rehabilitation
- physical rehabilitation
- rehabilitation program
- rehabilitation center
- rehabilitation services
Synonyms
- recovery
- restoration
- rehab
- recuperation
- reintegration
Antonyms
- deterioration
- relapse
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'rehabilitate' as a verb.
- Using 'rehabilitation' in casual situations.
- Overgeneralizing the term to mean any kind of improvement.