Resurrect

/rɛzərˈɛkt/

/rɛzəˈrɛkt/

IPA guide

Other forms: resurrected; resurrecting; resurrects

To resurrect is to bring someone back from the dead. You can also resurrect things that are inactive or out of use.

If you've ever seen someone bring a dead person back to life in a science fiction or fantasy movie, you saw them resurrect someone. Turning someone into a zombie or vampire is a type of resurrecting, and in the Bible Jesus resurrects Lazurus. Also, this word can apply to any kind of revival. A song can resurrect faded memories. A forgotten project can be resurrected if you start it up again. Resurrecting always involves bringing something back to life.

Definitions of resurrect

verb
cause to become alive again

“Slavery is already dead, and cannot be resurrected”

synonyms: raise, upraise

rise, uprise
return from the dead

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type of:
resuscitate, revive
cause to regain consciousness
verb
return from the dead

synonyms: rise, uprise

raise, upraise
cause to become alive again

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type of:
return
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
verb
restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state

“He resurrected the tango in this remote part of Argentina”

synonyms: revive

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types:
republish
revive (a cancelled will or a libel)

type of:
regenerate, rejuvenate, restore
return to life; get or give new life or energy

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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘resurrect'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback

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