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Origin and history of rehabilitate

rehabilitate(v.)

1580s, "restore to a former capacity or standing, or a former right, rank, or privilege lost or forfeited," a back-formation from rehabilitation and in part from Medieval Latin rehabilitatus, past participle of rehabilitare. Century Dictionary calls it "a term drawn from the civil and canon law."

This old law-term has been gaining ground ever since it was introduced into popular discourse by Burke, to whom it may have been suggested by the French réhabiliter. Equally with its substantive, rehabilitation, it enables us to dispense with a tedious circumlocution. [Fitzedward Hall, "Modern English," 1873]

It was in popular use by 1845 as "bring back to a former condition after decay or damage." The meaning "to restore one's reputation or character in the esteem of others" is attested by 1847. Related: Rehabilitated; rehabilitating.

also from 1580s

Entries linking to rehabilitate

rehabilitation(n.)

1530s, "act of reinstating in a former rank or standing," from French réhabilitation and directly from Medieval Latin rehabilitationem (nominative rehabilitatio) "restoration," noun of action from past-participle stem of rehabilitare, from re- "again" (see re-) + habilitare, from habile "fit, suitable" (see able).

The meaning "action of restoring anything to a previous condition" is attested by 1858. Specifically of criminals, addicts, etc., retrained for society, by 1940.

rehab

by 1948 as a shortening of rehabilitation (originally of service members returning from World War II). As a verb, in reference to houses, by 1975, short for rehabilitate. Related: Rehabbed; rehabbing.

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    purge
    c. 1300, purgen, "clear of a charge or suspicion," from Anglo-French purger, Old French purgier "wash, clean; refine, purify" morally or physically (12c., Modern French purger) and directly from Latin purgare "cleanse, make clean; purify," especially in reference to the body, "fr
    restore
    c. 1300, restoren, "to give back," also, "to build up again, repair; renew, re-establish; free from the effects of sin; bring back to a former and better state," from Old French restorer, from Latin restaurare "repair, rebuild, renew." This is from re- "back, again" (see re-) + -
    barren
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    protocol
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    baffle
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    comprise
    early 15c., "to include," from Old French compris, past participle of comprendre "to contain, comprise" (12c.), from Latin comprehendere "to take together, to unite; include; seize; to comprehend, perceive" (to seize or take in the mind), from com "with, together," here probably
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