Definition of recuperate

The word "recuperate" originates from the Latin "recupare," which means "to regain" or "to recover." This Latin verb is a combination of "re-" (meaning "again" or "new") and "cupare" (meaning "to take" or "to seize"). In the 15th century, the English language borrowed the Latin "recupare" and adapted it into "recuperate," initially meaning "to regain health" or "to recover from illness." Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include recovering from physical or mental exhaustion, mourning, or other adverse situations. Today, "recuperate" is widely used in both medical and everyday contexts, referring to the process of regaining strength, vitality, or composure after a period of injury, stress, or hardship.