retrieve

Definition

To regain or get back something.

Etymology

Recorded in Middle English c. 1410 as retreve (altered to retrive in the 16th century; modern form is from c. 1650), from Middle French retruev-, stem of Old French retrover (“to find again”, modern retrouver), itself from re- (“again”) + trover (“to find”), probably from Vulgar Latin *tropāre (“to compose”).

Example Sentences

• "to retrieve one's character or independence; to retrieve a thrown ball"
• "With late repentance now they would retrieve / The bodies they forsook, and wish to live."
• "to retrieve them from their cold, trivial conceits"