What does rejuvenation mean?
Rejuvenation means the process of restoring something to freshness, vitality, or strength, or of renewing a place, organization, or idea so that it feels active and effective again. The word is especially common in health and beauty contexts, where it suggests revitalization of the body, skin, or energy, but it also has a broader figurative use: a project can rejuvenate a neighborhood, a business, or a public image. Its tone is generally positive and often more emphatic than “repair” or “renewal,” implying a return of energy rather than mere maintenance. In promotional writing, “rejuvenation” can sound polished or commercial, so precision matters: it should describe an actual process of renewal, not simply an attractive appearance. The word derives from a combination meaning “again” and “young,” reflecting its long association with restored vigor and youthful vitality.
nounThe process of restoring freshness, vitality, or strength, or of renewing something so that it becomes active and effective again.
- Restoration of freshness, vitality, or strength, especially in a person, body, or organ.
- Renewal or revitalization of a place, organization, system, or idea.
"The renovation brought about a striking rejuvenation of the town's historic center."
"The treatment is intended to promote skin rejuvenation without disrupting normal daily activities."
"City planners saw the redevelopment as a rejuvenation of the surrounding neighborhood."
Rarely used. The singular is normally preferred when referring to the general process or a single instance of renewal.
"The old waterfront has undergone several rejuvenations over the past decade."
From roots meaning “again” and “young,” rejuvenation literally describes becoming young and vigorous again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rejuvenation come from?
Rejuvenation was formed from rejuvenate, which was borrowed from French rajeunir. French rajeunir combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with jeune, meaning “young,” a word ultimately derived from Latin iuvenis. The Latin prefix re- and the root iuvenis are also reflected in English cognates such as junior and juvenile.
How rejuvenation is actually used
The word is common in medical, beauty, business, and urban-planning contexts. It generally suggests a more pronounced return of energy than simple repair or maintenance and can sound promotional when applied to commercial treatments.