What does rehouse mean?
Rehouse is a verb meaning to move someone or something into a new home or set of premises, or to provide them with new housing. It is especially common in situations involving relocation, redevelopment, displacement, or the rehoming of animals. For example, authorities may rehouse residents whose homes have become unsafe, while charities may rehouse abandoned pets by finding foster or permanent homes for them. The word combines the prefix re-, meaning again, with house, making the idea of housing someone again or in a different place explicit. It is related to rehome but tends to emphasize the physical provision of accommodation, whether temporary or permanent. In general use, rehouse is a precise and practical word for the process of arranging a new home after a move or disruption.
verbTo move a person, animal, or organization into a new home or premises, especially as a result of displacement, redevelopment, or relocation. It can also mean to provide someone or something with new housing.
- To move a person, animal, or organization into a different or new home or premises.
- To provide a person, animal, or organization with new housing.
"The charity worked to rehouse families displaced by the flood."
"The council used temporary accommodation to rehouse residents affected by the redevelopment."
"Volunteers helped rehouse rescued dogs until permanent homes could be found."
Rehouse captures the practical reality of relocation: it is the word for finding a new home when the old one is no longer available.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rehouse come from?
Rehouse was formed by combining the prefix re- with the noun house, following the ordinary English pattern of indicating a repeated or renewed action. Its development reflects the established vocabulary of housing and relocation, and it is closely related to forms such as housing, household, and householder. The verb became especially useful for describing the movement of people or animals into replacement accommodation.
Related word forms
How rehouse is actually used
The verb is neutral in register and is used for both people and animals, as well as organizations or businesses. It commonly implies a move to new accommodation rather than simply providing shelter in the abstract.
Easily confused with rehouse
House can mean to provide accommodation or a dwelling, while rehouse more specifically suggests moving someone or something into a new home or premises.