(v) help to readapt, as to a former state of health or good repute, Example:The prisoner was successfully rehabilitated; After a year in the mental clinic, the patient is now rehabilitated
(adj) designed to accomplish rehabilitation; - J.B.Costello, Ant. punitive, Example:from a penal to a rehabilitative philosophy; rehabilitative treatment
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Rehabilitated p. pr. & vb. n. Rehabilitating. ] [ Pref. re- re- + habilitate: cf. LL. rehabilitare, F. réhabiliter. ] To invest or clothe again with some right, authority, or dignity; to restore to a former capacity; to reinstate; to qualify again; to restore, as a delinquent, to a former right, rank, or privilege lost or forfeited; -- a term of civil and canon law. [ 1913 Webster ]
Restoring and rehabilitating the party. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]