tr.v. re·stored, re·stor·ing, re·stores 1. To bring back into existence or use; reestablish: restore law and order. 2. To bring back to an original or normal condition: restore a building; restored the patient to health. 3. a. To place in a former position or location: restored the book to the shelf. b. To put (someone) back in a former position or role: restore the emperor to the throne. 4. To make restitution of; give back: restore the stolen funds. [Middle English restoren, from Old French restorer, from Latin restaurāre; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] re·storer n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.