recover

recover [ri kuv′ər]

vt.

[ME recoveren < OFr recovrer < L recuperare: see RECUPERATE]

1.

a) to get back (something lost or stolen)

b) to regain (health, consciousness, etc.)

2. to compensate for; make up for [to recover losses]

3.

a) to get (oneself) back to a state of control, balance, or composure

b) to catch or save (oneself) from a slip, stumble, betrayal of feeling, etc.

4. to reclaim (land from the sea, useful substances from waste, etc.)

5. Law to get or get back by final judgment in a court [to recover damages]

6. Sports to gain or regain control or possession of (a fumbled, muffed, wild, or free ball, puck, etc.)

vi.

1. to regain health, balance, or control

2. to catch or save oneself from a slip, stumble, self-betrayal, etc.

3. Law to succeed in a claim; receive judgment in one's favor

4. Sports to recover a ball, puck, etc.

recoverable

adj.

SYN.- RECOVER implies a finding or getting back something that one has lost in any manner [to recover stolen property, one's self-possession, etc. ]; REGAIN more strongly stresses a winning back of something that has been taken from one [to regain a military objective ]; RETRIEVE suggests diligent effort in regaining something [he was determined to retrieve his honor ]; RECOUP implies recovery of an equivalent in compensation [I tried to recoup my losses ]; RECLAIM implies recovery or restoration to a better or useful state [to reclaim wasteland ]