renovate

/ˌrɛnəˈveɪt/

/ˈrɛnəveɪt/

Other forms: renovated; renovating; renovates

To renovate means to renew or rebuild so that something is in good condition. When you move into an old house, you will probably want to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms.

Most usages of the word renovate revolve around buildings and architecture. During a generation change in a neighborhood, retired people move out and young families move in. They want to give new life to the old house they have bought so they renovate it by painting, redoing the floors, etc. If you renovate a historic building, you restore to its original splendor. Think of this sense of renewal if something renovates your spirits.

Definitions of renovate

1. verb

   restore to a previous or better condition
   “They renovated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel”

   synonyms: restitute

   type of:

   regenerate, renew

   reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
2. verb

   make brighter and prettier
   “My wife wants us to renovate”

   synonyms: freshen up, refurbish

   types:

   gentrify

   renovate so as to make it conform to middle-class aspirations

   type of:

   regenerate, renew

   reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
3. verb

   give new life or energy to
   “This will renovate my spirits”

   synonyms: animate, quicken, reanimate, recreate, repair, revive, revivify, vivify

   come to, resuscitate, revive

   return to consciousness

   type of:

   arouse, brace, energise, energize, perk up, stimulate

   cause to be alert and energetic