transitive verb

1. 1. to get back (something lost or stolen)
   2. to regain (health, consciousness, etc.)
2. to compensate for; make up for to recover losses
3. 1. to get (oneself) back to a state of control, balance, or composure
   2. to catch or save (oneself) from a slip, stumble, betrayal of feeling, etc.
4. to reclaim (land from the sea, useful substances from waste, etc.)
5. Law to get or get back by final judgment in a court to recover damages
6. Sports to gain or regain control or possession of (a fumbled, muffed, wild, or free ball, puck, etc.)

Etymology: ME recoveren < OFr recovrer < L recuperare: see recuperate

intransitive verb

1. to regain health, balance, or control
2. to catch or save oneself from a slip, stumble, self-betrayal, etc.
3. Law to succeed in a claim; receive judgment in one's favor
4. Sports to recover a ball, puck, etc.