repair

views updated May 29 2018

re·pair1 / riˈpe(ə)r/ • v. [tr.] fix or mend (a thing suffering from damage or a fault): faulty electrical appliances should be repaired by an electrician. ∎  make good (such damage) by fixing or repairing it: an operation to repair damage to his neck. ∎  put right (a damaged relationship or unwelcome situation): the new government moved quickly to repair relations with the USA.• n. the action of fixing or mending something: the truck was beyond repair| the abandoned house they bought needs repairs. ∎  a result of such fixing or mending: a coat of French polish was brushed over the repair. ∎  the relative physical condition of an object: the existing hospital is in a bad state of repair.DERIVATIVES: re·pair·a·ble adj.re·pair·er n.re·pair2 • v. [intr.] (repair to) formal or humorous go to (a place), esp. in company: we repaired to the tranquility of a nearby cafe.• n. archaic frequent or habitual visiting of a place: she exhorted repair to the church. ∎  a place that is frequently visited or occupied: the repairs of wild beasts.

repair

views updated Jun 11 2018

repair2 †adorn; restore to sound condition. XIV. — (O)F. réparer — L. reparāre, f. RE- + parāre make ready, put in order.
Hence repair sb.2 act of restoring to sound condition, etc. XVI. So reparable XVI. — F. reparation action of repairing XIV; amends XV. — (O)F. — late L.

repair

views updated May 14 2018

repair1 betake oneself, resort. XIV. — OF. repair(i)er (mod. repairer, repérer):- late L. repatriāre return to one's country; see REPATRIATE.
So repair sb.1 (place of) resort. XIV. — OF. repaire, repeire (mod. repaire, repère).