redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• readdress
• reanalyze
• reconceive
• reconsider
• reevaluate
• reexamine
• reexplore
• rethink
• review
• revisit
• reweigh

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

Romero describes Queens of the Dead as a tribute to the spirit of drag and a continuation of the Romero legacy of redefining the zombie genre. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024

After years of redefining our artistic approach in hip-hop, he’s taken the last couple years to focus on finding expressive ways to just connect and disconnect. —Essence, 25 Oct. 2024

Under then-President Trump, the EPA began the process of redefining pyrolysis as manufacturing. —Lisa Song, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2024

Gusto Bread owner Arturo Enciso is redefining Mexican pastries from a bread baker’s point of view. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals