'rehabilitate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'rehabilitare,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'habilitare' meant 'make able.'

'rehabilitare' transformed into the French word 'réhabiliter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rehabilitate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make able again,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of restoring health or reputation.