rebuild meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

rebuild

verb

/ɹiːˈbɪld/

Etymology From re- + build.

Ambitransitive To build again or anew.

The economics of rebuilding all the stations covered by the electrification would be prohibitive, but to help bring home to the Glasgow public that their North Clyde suburban service has been transformed, not merely re-equipped with new trains, stations have at least been associated psychologically with the rolling stock by a common colour scheme.1960 December, “The Glasgow Suburban Electrification is opened”, in Trains Illustrated, page 714:
We cannot forget the hurts and pain which have been dealt by the two opposing forces, but we must seek to heal the wounds and go forward. Are we going to allow the wounds to fester until we die, or are we big enough, collectively and individually, to write it off as a bad experience and begin to rebuild?1976 August 7, Kathy Guilmette, “Devil's Advocate”, in Gay Community News, page 4:

1 more example

“Even after this utter devastation, most people in the Greenwood community, most African Americans in Tulsa said to themselves and to their larger community, ‘we shall not be moved.’ And they rebounded and rebuilt and created an incarnation of Black Wall Street that would surpass its initial version.”2021 May 20, Ashley Vaughan, “Remembering Black Wall Street: Ways to invest in Tulsa and champion Black businesses”, in CNN, archived from the original on 31 May 2021:

Figuratively, Said of sports teams To attempt to improve one's performance during a period of struggling.

After missing the playoffs for the seventh straight season in a row, the Detroit Red Wings are trying to rebuild.

noun

/ˈɹiːbɪld/

Etymology From re- + build.

A process or result of rebuilding.

Although the new features of the rebuilds were mainly the application of successful standard principles, the retention of the outside admission cylinders with their necessary high-pressure valve rod glands, of which the Southern lacked previous experience with an engine of this size, caused some unexpected teething troubles.1961 March, C. P. Boocock, “The organisation of Eastleigh Locomotive Works”, in Trains Illustrated, page 160:
Doc's spirits lifted at the suggestion that Cochrane was already thinking about painting the finished rebuild.2000, John Christgau, Sierra Sue II: The Story of a P-51 Mustang, page 138:

4 more examples

The cost of the rebuild can quickly escalate with significant crankshaft and bearing work, and some folks allow the cost to keep them from doing the work, even when it is warranted.2000, Spencer Yost, How to Rebuild and Restore Farm Tractor Engines, page 100:
Torque Fasteners — Illustrates a fastener that must be properly tightened with a torque wrench at this point in the rebuild.2009, Tony Huntimer, How to Rebuild the Big-Block Chevrolet, page 5:
Lovingly restored and exquisitely maintained, the great frigate is docked at Boston and open to the public. She is still in commission and crewed by members of the U.S. Navy. After a number of rebuilds and modifications, the frigate Constellation is now anchored in Baltimore Harbor as a museum.2012, Ronald Utt, Ships of Oak, Guns of Iron: The War of 1812 and the Forging of the American Navy:
Approval has been granted for a £545 million rebuild of Paris Gare du Nord, despite fierce opposition. [...] Initially rejected in June 2019, the rebuild is intended to meet an expected increase in passenger numbers to 800,000 per day by 2023 and 900,000 by 2024.2020 August 12, “Network News: £545m rebuild of Gare du Nord”, in Rail, page 18:

Figuratively (said of sports teams) A period during which an attempt is made to improve during a period of struggling.

Since they failed to make it to the playoffs after five consecutive seasons, the team has gone through a lengthy rebuild.