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

Data's Impact Across Industries Data has redefined industries, informed international policy development and personalized shopping experiences. —Beate Van Loo-Born, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Carter was a peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024

Now is a time to embrace that nostalgia and, in some ways, redefine it. —Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 30 Dec. 2024

After leaving office at just 56, Carter redefined the role of a former president. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 30 Dec. 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