verb [VN]
1 ~ sth (to sb) to bring back a situation or feeling that existed before:
The measures are intended to restore public confidence in the economy. * Order was quickly restored after the riots. * Such kindness restores your faith in human nature (= makes you believe most people are kind). * The most recent operation restored his sight (= made him able to see again).
2 ~ sb/sth to sth to bring sb/sth back to a former condition, place or position:
He is now fully restored to health. * We hope to restore the garden to its former glory (= make it as beautiful as it used to be). * This cream claims to restore your skin to its youthful condition.
3 ~ sth (to sth) to repair a building, work of art, piece of furniture, etc. so that it looks as good as it did originally:
Her job is restoring old paintings. * The house has been lovingly restored to the way it looked in 1900 when it was built.
4 to bring a law, tradition, way of working, etc. back into use:
to restore ancient rights / traditions * The death penalty was restored in 1982.
5 ~ sth (to sb/sth) (formal) to give sth that was lost or stolen back to sb:
The police have now restored the painting to its rightful owner.
