recover

—recoverer, n.

/ri kuv"euhr/, v.t.

1. to get back or regain (something lost or taken away): to recover a stolen watch.

2. to make up for or make good (loss, damage, etc., to oneself).

3. to regain the strength, composure, balance, or the like, of (oneself).

4. Law.

a. to obtain by judgment in a court of law, or by legal proceedings: to recover damages for a wrong.

b. to acquire title to through judicial process: to recover land.

5. to reclaim from a bad state, practice, etc.

6. to regain (a substance) in usable form, as from refuse material or from a waste product or by-product of manufacture; reclaim.

7. Mil. to return (a weapon) to a previously held position in the manual of arms.

8. Football. to gain or regain possession of (a fumble): They recovered the ball on their own 20-yard line.

v.i.

9. to regain health after being sick, wounded, or the like (often fol. by from): to recover from an illness.

10. to regain a former and better state or condition: The city soon recovered from the effects of the earthquake.

11. to regain one's strength, composure, balance, etc.

12. Law. to obtain a favorable judgment in a suit for something.

13. Football. to gain or regain possession of a fumble: The Giants recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.

14. to make a recovery in fencing or rowing.

[1300-50; ME recoveren < MF recoverer < L recuperare to regain, RECUPERATE]

Syn. 1. RECOVER, RECLAIM, RETRIEVE are to regain literally or figuratively something or someone. TO RECOVER is to obtain again what one has lost possession of: to recover a stolen jewel. TO RECLAIM is to bring back from error or wrongdoing, or from a rude or undeveloped state: to reclaim desert land by irrigation. TO RETRIEVE is to bring back or restore, esp. something to its former, prosperous state: to retrieve one's fortune. 9. heal, mend, recuperate; rally.

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