revert

verb

re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
reverted; reverting; reverts

intransitive verb

1
: to come or go back (as to a former condition, period, or subject)
2
: to return to the proprietor or his or her heirs at the end of a reversion
3
: to return to an ancestral type
reverter noun
revertible adjective

Examples of revert in a Sentence

after the national emergency had passed, the political parties abandoned their shotgun unity and reverted to their partisan squabbling
Recent Examples on the Web If that’s the case, everything will probably revert back to normal, as that group has gone 14-5 since Jan. 30 — the best record in the NBA in that span. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 For all that has changed with the culture under Campbell, the Lions reverted back to the disappointing team that longtime followers had hoped was a thing of the past. USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 In an email to the college's community, Saint Mary's College President Katie Conboy said the university is reverting back to its prior policy of only admitting biological women after the college's initial decision to admit males who identify as women was roundly condemned. Jeremiah Poff, Washington Examiner, 21 Dec. 2023 Royal 2, Simi Valley 1: Ryan Ulmen delivered a two-strike, two-run double in the seventh to help give Simi Valley a 6-2 lead, but darkness stopped the game and the score reverted back to the sixth inning, giving Royal the victory. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, Jackson, now 2-4 in postseason, reverted. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Brooklyn seemed to revert back to his childhood style while sporting a red Le Coq Sportif crewneck, jeans and Dr. Marten boots. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Considering the franchise’s early identity as the Buffalo Braves and San Diego Clippers was built on the orange and blue color scheme, this could’ve been an opportunity to revert back. Shane Young, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Instead of just reverting back to your typical, daily decor, embrace this opportunity to inject a bit of post-holiday energy into your home. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'revert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French revertir, from Latin revertere, transitive verb, "to turn back" & reverti, intransitive verb, "to return, come back," from re- + vertere, verti "to turn" — more at worth

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of revert was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near revert

Cite this Entry

“Revert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revert. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

revert

verb
re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
1
: to come or go back
reverted to the customs of their ancestors
2
: to experience reversion

Medical Definition

revert

intransitive verb
re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
: to undergo reversion
revertible adjective

Legal Definition

revert

intransitive verb
re·​vert ri-ˈvərt How to pronounce revert (audio)
1
: to come or go back (as to a former status or state)
if the donee of a general power fails to exercise it…the appointive assets revert to the donor's estateW. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
2
: to return to the grantor or his or her heirs as a reversion
revertible adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on revert

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