refocus

verb

re·​fo·​cus (ˌ)rē-ˈfō-kəs How to pronounce refocus (audio)
refocused; refocusing; refocuses

transitive verb

1
: to focus again
2
: to change the emphasis or direction of
had refocused his life

intransitive verb

1
: to focus something again
2
: to change emphasis or direction

Examples of refocus in a Sentence

She refocused her energies toward a career in music. He needs to refocus his attention on his schoolwork. Sports are not a priority now. You need to refocus and improve your grades.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There seems to be an effort to refocus the Justice Department. CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025 Rubio's decision to prioritize Latin America over the traditional first stops in Europe or Asia signals the White House's intent to refocus foreign policy, homing in on the region as immigration remains at the forefront of President Donald Trump's agenda. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 This reduces labor costs and refocuses resources on growth initiatives. Sheraz Ahmed, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Popes also refocused their efforts on missionary activity. Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for refocus 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refocus was circa 1865

Dictionary Entries Near refocus

Cite this Entry

“Refocus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refocus. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

refocus

transitive verb
re·​fo·​cus (ˈ)rē-ˈfō-kəs How to pronounce refocus (audio)
: to focus again

intransitive verb

: to focus something again

More from Merriam-Webster on refocus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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