verb (used with object), re·built or (Archaic) re·build·ed; re·build·ing.
- to repair, especially to dismantle and reassemble with new parts: to rebuild an old car.
- to replace, restrengthen, or reinforce: to rebuild an army.
- to revise, reshape, or reorganize: to rebuild a shattered career.
verb (used without object), re·built or (Archaic) re·build·ed; re·build·ing.
- to build again or afresh: With the insurance money we can rebuild.
verb -builds, -building or -built
- to make, construct, or form againthe cost of rebuilding the house
- (tr) to restore (a system or situation) to a previous conditionhis struggle to rebuild his life
c.1600 (implied in rebuilding), from re- “back, again” + build (v.). Related: Rebuilt.