verb (used with object), re·placed, re·plac·ing.
- to assume the former role, position, or function of; substitute for (a person or thing): Electricity has replaced gas in lighting.
- to provide a substitute or equivalent in the place of: to replace a broken dish.
- to restore; return; make good: to replace a sum of money borrowed.
- to restore to a former or the proper place: to replace the vase on the table.
verb (tr)
- to take the place of; supersedethe manual worker is being replaced by the machine
- to substitute a person or thing for (another which has ceased to fulfil its function); put in place ofto replace an old pair of shoes
- to put back or return; restore to its rightful place
1590s, “to restore to a previous place or position,” from re- “back, again” + place (v.). Meaning “to take the place of” is recorded from 1753; that of “to fill the place of (with something else)” is from 1765. Related: Replaced; replacing.