What does resurrect mean?
Resurrect means to bring back to life a person who has died, as in stories in which a dead hero is returned to existence. The word is also widely used metaphorically for restoring a discarded idea, an old custom, a neglected reputation, or a dispute that has faded from public attention. Its strong association with death and return gives it a dramatic, sometimes solemn tone, though it can also be used humorously or critically when someone revives an unpopular practice. In everyday speech, “resurrect” is more common than the more technical “resuscitate,” which usually refers specifically to restoring a living but unconscious person. The word is used in British and American English, with especially frequent figurative use in journalism, politics, criticism, and cultural commentary.
To bring a dead person back to life.
"In the legend, the magician resurrects the king before sunrise."
This sense is primarily literary, religious, or mythological; in ordinary modern usage, it is more common in figurative expressions.
To restore a person, thing, practice, or issue to a former state or to active existence.
"The museum's new exhibition resurrects interest in a forgotten movement."
This metaphorical sense is common in journalism, politics, criticism, and discussion of culture.
From Latin resurgere, meaning “to rise again,” resurrect preserves the idea of something returning from death—or from figurative oblivion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resurrect come from?
The English word comes from Latin resurrectus, the past participle of resurgere, meaning “to rise again.” The prefix re- indicates repetition, while surgere means “to rise” or “to surge.” English borrowed the word in the 16th and 17th centuries, initially in religious contexts referring to the return of the dead; its figurative uses developed later. Related English words include “resurrection,” “resuscitate,” and “resuscitation,” all connected with the same Latin roots.
Related word forms
How resurrect is actually used
The verb is relatively formal and strongly literary. It is often used metaphorically, especially for ideas, traditions, disputes, and reputations. In modern usage, “resurrect” normally implies restoring something to life or active existence rather than reviving it through medical treatment.
Easily confused with resurrect
Resurrect can mean to bring someone back to life or metaphorically restore a person or thing; resuscitate usually specifically means to restore someone who is unconscious or otherwise still alive.